Review-Mirror

Declining enrolment across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) has prompted the start of a Pupil Accom- modation Review (PAR). Last Wednesday Trustees approved a report detailing draft recommen- dations for school closures which would move stu- dents out of and into schools not operating near their capacity. They have given direc- tion to start a feedback and i n f o r m a t i o n - g a t h e r i n g process with parents through the use of Accom- modation Review Com- mittees (ARCs). The report presented by Superintendent Phil Dawes included recom- mendations for the Rideau Family of schools includ- ing the closure of Rideau Centennial effective in 2017. It also suggests the closure of Sweet Corners School if funds became available for capital improvements to accom- modate those students at South Crosby in Elgin. The addition of Rideau Centennial and Sweets Corners students would put the South Crosby School at more than 120 per cent of its capacity. Rideau Centennial School's 25 per cent space utilization in 2015-2016 compares with Sweets Corners 34 per cent in the same period. Rideau Cen- tennial's 138 pupil capaci- ty was used by 35 students last year. Sweets Corners enrollment of 116 was a third of its 337 pupil des- ignation. Changing demograph- ics and shifting population trends mean schools built to accommodate a larger number of students now have empty space. Recent changes to the Ministry of Education funding model have fur- ther reduced the likelihood of school boards receiving financial support to reno- vate or rebuild schools unless surplus space is reduced. Trustees have support- ed a public consultation through four regional ARCs, as well as provid- ing opportunity for parents and other members of the public to offer feedback through a specially com- missioned website. The ARCs will host two public meetings each, with the first set in November 2016 and the second in January 2017. Further details regarding the regional ARCs will become finalized this week. Mirror The Review Thursday, October 6, 2016 Serving North Leeds and area since 1893 Vol. 125, No. 39 $1 incl. tax Canada Post Contract No. 40021501 Board okays school closure plan, public meetings start next month The view from St Edward's choir loft on Saturday saw the pews covered with quilts, one of five church exhibits and part of a three day quilting event which attracted over 200 people on Saturday. (l-r) Mary Chaikowsky, Joan Gillespie, Barb Lavoie Jones Falls Fine Dining 613-359-5500 Reservations Recommended HOTEL KENNEY Since 1877 Now Accepting Thanksgiving Reservations 12-8 pm 24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls Hwy. 15 S. & Bay Rd. 613-205-1212 streetmotorsales@cogeco.net streetmotorsales.com Charlie Franklin Sales Representative 2012 Ford Focus SE Sedan 109,742kms, Green $9,995 duncan s TV & APPLIANCES Continuing a 30 year tradition serving North Leeds - Delivery & Set Up Available LAUNDRY SAVINGS 5.1 cu. ft. Washer •Smart Boost™ •Stain Soak™ •15 Minute Fast Wash •Tier III E-Star •Reversible Door Model #EFLS617SIW 8.0 cu. ft. Dryer •Perfect Steam™ •15 Minute Fast Dry •Instant Refresh™ •Extended Tumble •9 Dry Cycles Model #EFMC617SIW Regular $3,198.00 Pair Price $ 2298 00 Call 359-5660 53 Main St., Elgin This weekend the 27th edition of the Fall Colors Studio Tour, brings artists and art lovers together at artists' studios. The event is a local tra- dition for Thanksgiving weekend, October 8, 9, and 10. Resident and guest artists are featured at four studios in the village and two in the surrounding countryside south of the village. This year 16 artists, guest and resident artists are featured at six studios. Tour brochures are available at local business- es and information about the tour and participating artists can be found on page 8-9 of this week's Review-Mirror. Review-Mirror closed Monday The Review-Mirror will be closed Monday for the Thanksgiving Day long weekend. We will re-open Tues- day at 8 a.m. Deadline for the Oct. 13 issue is Tues- day at noon. Fall Colours Studio Tour this weekend

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