Toronto schools are in crisis. First came the announcement of the swimming pool closures. The protests continue and alternatives are being sought. Clearly the dust hasn’t settled on this issue yet, and now comes another bombshell – a plan to close schools with poor enrolment.

This issue is more widespread than originally thought. Changing demographics and rising housing prices have literally forced families from the city into the suburbs. It has been reported that:
• 93 of 560 schools in the city of Toronto are operating at less than 50% capacity
• Each year Toronto has declining enrolment to the tune of 4,000 fewer students
• Since 2001 the enrolment in the Toronto District School board has declined by 30,000 students

In order to balance the budget this year $74 million has to be cut from the budget and these under utilized schools seem to be a good place to start – at least on paper. The trustees will be meeting to discuss establishing a standard optimal school size, the distribution of schools, grade structure, integrating middle schools with the lower grades, and other factors that contribute to the management and allocation of assets. The current recommendations are for elementary schools with 450 students and high schools with 1,200 students.

Clearly school closures seem to be a logical and necessary step to balancing the budget and to make the most efficient use of the existing resources. Needless to say emotions will run high and no matter what decisions are made, many people will be unhappy. Do you think that it is a good idea to close schools with less than 50% enrolment?