Questions and comments received from community members interested in the Middlesex Elementary Panel Attendance Area Review will be presented here, along with answers provided by TVDSB staff, for the information of London school communities.

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Comment 23: Is there a website/link where people can send their questions or concerns, other than via the Parkview AARC subcommittee?

Response 23: General inquiries related to MEAAR-2023 can be submitted via the following link: https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/our-board/meaar-elementary-questions-and-answers.aspx

 Comment 22: With the anticipated rezoning, what would be the number of students coming back to the TVDSB from the catholic Our Lady of Lourdes school?  Has this been surveyed? 

Response 22: TVDSB does not survey students attending other school boards, however it is possible that some students may shift from the London District Catholic School Board to TVDSB.

Comment 21: With Delaware falling under capacity, will the students there have adequate options for sports teams, field trips, choir, band etc?

Response 21: The provision of extracurricular activities remains at the discretion of the staff. Despite changes to student enrollment aimed at stabilizing a growing population, there is no explicit indication that this programming would be significantly impacted. Schools strive to maintain a diverse range of extracurricular offerings, recognizing their importance in enriching students' overall educational experience. However, the specific availability of extracurriculars may vary across schools and be subject to periodic reassessment based on evolving circumstances.

Comment 20: Concern is to “rip” Kilworth Heights West students from their friends at Delaware school. The families have rooted in Delaware Public school. If students are to be relocated to Parkview, would there be options to remain at Delaware?  Will there be extra support to welcome these new students? 

Response 20: Please see below.

 Comment 19: Starting over at a new school is not easy, and being a student at an overcapacity school also has negative effects on learning, access to support, and access to space.

Response 19: When students undergo school transitions due to boundary changes, schools implement various measures to facilitate a smooth adjustment. Communication is key, with advance notice provided through official channels. Orientation programs, including tours and information sessions, help familiarize students with their new environment. Academic records are transferred to ensure a seamless continuation of education, and special education services are coordinated between schools. Peer support programs and parental involvement initiatives contribute to social integration. Staff do attend to building relationships with students in order to foster a positive experience during this adjustment phase.

Comment 18: After years of educational upheaval due to Covid, it seems detrimental to move close to 70 students out of Delaware to Parkview, when they are finally experiencing a "normal time at school. 

Response 18: What consultation has occurred with the students at either school? We talk about wellness and mental health, but decisions like these have impacts on our children, and they are often not consulted at all. 

Comment 17: Would the option of having split recesses be an option? What impact does that have on academic time? 

Response 17: Instructional time will continue to adhere to expectations as per the Ministry of Education. It would be a school-based decision should they decide to schedule difference recesses for different grades.

Comment 16: What do studies say on the impact on mental health and academics of having no or less physical activity? Would it be an option to defer gym for some higher grades to the Community Centre?

Response 16: The staff at Parkview will continue to adhere to curriculum expectations as per the Ministry of Education. If the staff opted to utilize resources as the neighbouring community centre they would be welcomed to do so in accordance with TVDSB's field trip policy and procedure.

Comment 15: There will not be enough time slots available in the Gym. How can the board guarantee our children will have gym time, as outlined by the ministry. What are the solutions for the rainy/snowy days and the Gym time changes to DPA time?

Response 15: Elementary students in Ontario are recommended to have at least 20 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity during the school day. This physical activity can include activities in the gym, outdoor education, or other physical education settings. Additionally, it's common for schools to schedule specific time slots for physical education classes, and the frequency can vary. In the case of inclement weather adjustments will need to be made which may include adjustments to the gym schedule.

 Comment 14: What % of schools with populations of 800+ score above the provincial average in EQAO reading, writing and math in the Primary and Junior divisions?

Response 14: TVDSB does not collect data on the connection between school size and academic achievement. It is crucial to note that academic achievement is complex and is influenced by a variety of factors.

Comment 13: With a growing student number and smaller playground (due to number of portables) the chance of incidents and accidents will grow.  Can the board please share the data they have on the effects, positive or negative, on students for large schools 800+, on students academics, student mental health and student safety (and same for teachers?)

Response 13: TVDSB does not collect data on the connection between school size and academic achievement. Staffing in schools is adjusted based on their population, considering the requirement for heightened supervision during unstructured periods like recess. Nevertheless, irrespective of the school's population, class sizes adhere to collective agreements. Allocation of resources for students, including professional services and learning support teachers, is determined by the student population.

Comment 12: What are the specs of a portable? or TVDSB requirements for a safe and healthy portable?

Response 12: TVDSB’s portable designs and standards are in compliance with the Ontario Building Code at the time of their manufacturing. All TVDSB portables are equipped with mechanical ventilation that also provides cooling during warmer periods. Additionally, all portables are reviewed annually. 

Comment 11: Will surrounding neighbours be informed (aka will public be informed re permit placing the portables?)

Response 11: TVDSB applies for permits from the local municipality to place portables on school sites. Unless placement requires a minor variance or other public-facing application, nearby residents would not be notified by the permit-issuing authority (the municipality) until a 13th portable is required on site. All municipalities in the TVDSB district require site plan approval for portable placement in excess of 12 portables.

Comment 10: What is "sufficient amenity", space for Parkview? What will the yard look like with the addition of up to 10 portables? Is there a plan/drawing?

Response 10: Sufficient amenity space after the placement of the projected portables means that students will still have access to yard play areas, playgrounds, entrances and exits from the school property. In recent years up to 8 portables have been located at the north-east corner of the asphalt playground.

Parkview PS is situated on a large site that is able to support the enrolment growth in the community. Portables would be placed on the property in consultation with the school’s administration in order to ensure continued access to play areas. 

Comment 9: What is the threshold to trigger additional washrooms being needed?

Response 9: The Ontario Building Code determines the number of washrooms required based on building occupant loads. These are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance. Additional portable classrooms would also require a review through the municipal building permit process.

 Comment 8: Will additional washrooms be added as capacity grows?

Response 8: Given the number of washroom fixtures (e.g. Toilets, urinals) available at Parkview PS, we do not anticipate needing to add additional washroom fixtures at this time.

Comment 7: What are the existing building code requirements regarding student ratios? 

o   Bathroom/Sanitary concerns

o   What are the existing building code requirements regarding ratios? 

o   Will additional washrooms be made available as capacity grows.

o   What is the threshold to obtain a portable bathroom unit?

Response 7: TVDSB determines the maximum number of portables for each school site in adherence with Ontario Building Code requirements and municipal zoning requirements. Building permits are obtained from municipality which includes a review of washroom capacities. In addition, class sizes are determined by provincial class size guidelines.

Comment 6: Instead of possibly placing portables, would a “portapack” (with bathroom facility) be an option? 

Response 6: Portapaks are generally longer-term accommodation measures given their significant costs. As there are sufficient washrooms at Parkview PS and the intent is to build an addition to the school as soon as Ministry funding becomes available, a portapak is not a preferred solution at this time.

Comment 5: When would an addition at Parkview be built? Based on the anticipated growth, why spend money on portables, where it could be put towards an expansion?  Has this been calculated?

Response 5: TVDSB plans to submit a business case for an addition at Parkview PS at the earliest opportunity following the completion of the Middlesex Elementary Attendance Area Review.

Permanent accommodations like new schools and additions are funded by the Ministry of Education’s Capital Priorities Program, which has an application intake of approximately once per year. This is the only funding source for new schools and additions, which must be approved before they can be built.

 Comment 4: Why is it that the students who are at Delaware now, cannot just stay there?  Or at least for some more time to work/plan on a sustainable solution 

If the zone change is made and then their capacity dips to 85% instead of 116% are they desperately struggling now? Why is 116% not acceptable to Delaware. (approximately 41 extra students=1 extra portable) Their enrollment ( status quo)  is supposed to dip in the future anyway and this could work itself out if there  (??) 

Response 4: Based on building code requirements, Parkview PS does have the facilities to support additional student enrolment. Based on water, sanitary, and site constraints, Delaware Central PS can only have three portables on site to support enrolment growth. This school is not connected to municipal services and is situated on a small site, eliminating the opportunity to place more temporary accommodations at the school. Enrolment is projected to steadily grow over the next several years and two portables are already present on site, with the third and final portable expected to arrive for September 2024.

Comment 3: With all of the construction in the current zone ( as it is)  and the high number of students expected to arrive at the school because of this  - an additional space burden on Parkview, that will happen, guaranteed, before we even consider these additional students attending from outside the current zone. (portables are a given) but adding to the burden is just too much. A couple portables are ok, but without extra sanitary facilities, the students & teachers suffer when that number rises without a real school addition. (how would science/art with water requirements be taught?) 

Response 3: When preparing for MEAAR, TVDSB looked at several options for permanent student accommodations including a new school in the Komoka-Kilworth area. Current and projected student enrolment in this area of the district is not expected to reach the critical capacity needed to present a strong business case for a new school to the Ministry of Education in the immediate future. An addition to Parkview PS is thus planned in order to accommodate the growing enrolment at this time. TVDSB cannot acquire school sites before having approval for new schools. Longer term, additional capital will be needed in order to accommodate students in the community and TVDSB will continue working in partnership with the Municipality and County in order to ensure that we are prepared to seek capital funding from the Ministry of Education when it is needed.

Comment 2: 

What are the impacts on bussing from the options under consideration?

Response 2:
Parkview PS and Delaware Central PS Scenario

Parkview PS: 8 buses are expected
Delaware Central PS: A reduction of 2 buses is expected

Summary: a net reduction of 1 buses is expected

Comment 1: 

Hi there, I understand that the MEAAR is to address enrolment expansion at Delaware Central, which cannot accommodate the anticipated growth given the limitations of the facility. I agree, Parkview is better equipped to accommodate expansion, but would require immediate investment in the facility in anticipation of the planned population growth from Kilworth-Komoka. This investment cannot be delayed and an application for expansion should be made to avoid impending stress on the infrastructure of Parkview PS. The TVDSB is accountable for proper capital planning to provide appropriate learning spaces and this responsibility cannot be deferred.

Forecasted growth to 2027 of nearly 25% in student population and the addition of 6 portables puts strain on access to important features in child education such as and in no particular order 1) library resources 2) gymnasium access 3) expanded bathroom facilities 4) age appropriate play areas 5) extracurricular activities/clubs/band 6) class sizes and appropriate learning spaces 7) safety and security to accommodate a significant expansion 8) accommodation of additional vehicular traffic in and around the school 9) student accessibility concerns for temporary facilities such as portables.

Portables are a temporary tool to accommodate enrolment growth that is unexpected; they should not be used as a permanent alternative to capital expansion. Portables lack true comparison to a properly resourced and accessible facility that young people and their educators fill to create a social fabric and community to which they collectively belong. Permanent and expanded use of portables can act as a constant visual and psychological reminder of the divide between students in the building, and those who are not.

Students at both Delaware and Parkview deserve an exceptional educational experience. Alleviating a capacity issue at Delaware cannot jeopardize the all around educational experience of Parkview students (and vice-versa). Coordination to address impending issues (points 1-9) that would arise as a result of significant enrolment expansion at Parkview is necessary, and as a parent I look to the TVDSB and local school administration to provide leadership in making any change a complete success for all students involved.

I would expect as part of the review, plans must be robust, detailed, and coordinated for each school and the surrounding communities to accommodate exceptional growth and achieve an excellent education for each student.