Parents aim to rally for OCDSB’s alternative schools [Video]

Ottawa’s largest school board is conducting an overhaul of its elementary school programs, including cutting the five alternative schools. At a recent meeting, parents told an advisory committee they can’t accept the cuts.

Parents of children who attend alternative schools are putting their heads together to try to save the program.

As part of a proposed restructuring, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s trustees could soon vote to eliminate all five of its alternative schools. Many parents say the schools focus on individual learning needs in ways regular community schools do not.

At an OCDSB Alternative Schools Advisory Committee meeting Monday night, community members and parents shared their thoughts on the plan in an online forum.

Emily Addison, a parent and co-chair of the committee, was among parents who voiced frustration over the process.

Emily Addison is the co-chair of the Alternative Schools Advisory Committee. She says many parents feel their kids’ experiences were enriched by …