September 27, 1999

 To:Policy and Finance Committee

From:City Clerk, School Tax Sub-Committee

Subject:School Closings

 Recommendations:

The School Tax Sub-Committee recommends to the Policy and Finance Committee and City Council that:

(1)there be approval, in principle, for the City of Toronto to develop a response to the Toronto District School Board Proposal Call to identify City interests (costs and opportunities) with the final document to be approved by City Council;

(2)the Toronto District School Board staff work with City staff to review implementation options developed by the Community Implementation Teams to identify any costs to the City or community users and that notification of all meetings be sent to affected Councillors, City staff and users;

(3)the Toronto District School Board immediately provide existing child care centers with leases to remain in closed facilities until 2000/2001;

(4)the City and the Toronto District School Board develop principles and protocol for the re-use of school sites including community outreach and participation, exploring opportunities to meet mutual service objectives (e.g. Child care facilities) existing services being provided first option to lease, open space access being retained, compatibility being ensured, etc.;

(5)principles and protocols be adopted by both the City and Toronto District School Board; and

(6)given school closings have a dramatic impact on all services affecting children, families and their communities in the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board be urged to fully examine this issue, particularly as it relates to affected programs and schools including feeder schools.

The School Tax Sub-Committee reports, for the information of Policy and Finance Committee and City Council, having received a presentation from Ms. Anne-Marie Nasr, Manager, Policy and Programs, City Planning Division, Urban Planning and Development Services respecting the Toronto District School Board report on the first phase of school closures released on September 14, 1999.

Background:

The School Tax Sub-Committee at its meeting held on September 27, 1999 had before it the following:

(1)Toronto District School Board report on the first phase of school closures released on September 14, 1999 (copy of which was distributed to all members of Council); and

(2)Communication (September 23, 1999) from the Children and Youth Action Committee, recommending to the School Tax Sub-Committee and City Council, that given school closings have a dramatic impact on all services affecting children, families and their communities in the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board be urged to fully examine this issue, particularly as it relates to affected programs and schools, including feeder schools.

The following persons addressed the School Tax Sub-Committee in connection with the foregoing matter:

-Councillor B. Disero, Davenport

-Councillor J. King, Seneca Heights

-Trustee Elizabeth Boyd, Toronto Catholic School Board

-Trustee Shelley Laskin, Toronto District School Board

-Trustee Judy Codd, Toronto District School Board

    for City Clerk,

School Tax Sub-Committee

Betty Bushe/bb

c.Toronto District School Board

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