mmlmSchool boards across Ontario must  FREEZE SCHOOL CLOSINGS mmmknow. Here's why:

1. The School Boards' "consultation" meetings about school closings (ARCs and PARTs*) do not provide a full and fair discussion of the issues. The meetings are manipulative and are designed to limit parent and community participation — and impose school closings.
2. School closings are not good for students. Students face longer walks and it will be harder for parents to visit distant schools. Students will be moved to mega schools, despite decades of positive experience with smaller schools. Many middle schools (various combinations of Grades 6 - 9) are targeted for closure.
3. School closings are not good for communities. School gyms, playing fields, pools and meeting rooms are used by a wide range of community groups. Many schools provide child care, parenting centres and ESL classes. Seniors count on neighbourhood schools for lifelong learning. Urban communities benefit particularly from their school yard green spaces..
4. The provincial government promised to review the funding formula this year. Instead of closing schools in 2010, Board Trustees must speak out for a funding formula that keeps our neighbourhood schools OPEN! Why the rush to close schools before the funding formula review is complete? The province must provide fair and adequate funding for all students in the public education system regardless of age, disability, community size or location, family background or income level.
   
   *ARCs and PARTs are processes being used to close schools: ARC (Accommodation Review Committee) and PART (Program Area Review Team)