TVDSB Launches Attendance Review for Woodstock Schools

Thursday, 25 February 2021 05:20

The Thames Valley District School Board has launched a major attendance review for all Woodstock public schools.

OXFORD COUNTY - A growing demand for French Immersion in Oxford County and Woodstock has prompted the Thames Valley District School Board to launch a major attendance review.

The review will address the significant pressures faced by schools in Woodstock due to the growing French Immersion demand. Board Chair Bill McKinnon says enrolment imbalances have left some Woodstock schools underutilized while others are overcapacity.

"This much-needed review will help set the stage for future capital investment in Woodstock schools as more and more families discover the excellent lifestyle our community has to offer. This will also help meet the growing demand for high quality French Immersion programming."

Roch Carrier French Immersion Public School is experiencing significant overcapacity due to the school's small size and continued strong demand for French Immersion programming across Oxford County. Roch Carrier is TVDSB’s only French Immersion school in the county.

Meanwhile schools such as Oliver Stephens and Eastdale are only operating at 65 percent capacity right now, while Springbank Public School requires 10 portable classrooms to deal with current overcapacity.

Before the TVDSB can apply for funding for new projects, they need to make use of available spaces at underutilized schools.

Right now it's being recommended to use Oliver Stephens Public School as the site of a dual-track English and French Immersion school to relieve overcapacity at Roch Carrier French Immersion Public School. The report also recommends balancing enrolment throughout Woodstock by adjusting attendance areas at Algonquin, Eastdale, Springbank and Winchester Street public schools.

A final report is expected to be presented to trustees later this year.