There was plenty of controversy and plenty of debate, but when the dust finally settled late Tuesday night the
Toronto District School Board said yes to so-called Black-focused schools.
Tuesday's vote actually capped months of heated back-and-forth involving parents, students, teachers and trustees, the end result of which was the Board throwing its support behind, "four innovative strategies for improving the success of Black students."
That according to a TDSB news release, in which Board Chair John Campbell insists strides have officially been made.
"The strategies developed by our staff following consultation with our communities, will hopefully more effectively address the needs of youth who have historically struggled in TDSB schools," Campbell said. "Tonight's decision demonstrates our commitment to action to creating innovative approaches to improve the success of all students."
But not everyone seconded those sentiments. Dozens that stood in the crowded Board headquarters spoke adamantly against the idea, including Loreen Small, whose 14-year-old son Jordan Manners was shot and killed inside CW Jefferys C.I. last year.
"What we're doing, we're segregating each other," Small insisted. "Let us all come together and be as one."
Others spoke out just as passionately in favour of the idea.
"This is not about segregation," said parent Vicki McPhee (pictured, right). "We are segregated in the public education system."
"No one ever said little white children couldn't come to this school," added Donna Harrow. "No one said that."
In the end though, it may have been the words of Nigel Bariffe which made the biggest impact, as the Grade 4 teacher reminded those in attendance of a 40 per cent dropout rate among Black youth under the Board.
"We are losing 40 per cent of them," he said. "Thirteen of my children just might not pass Grade 12."
After two rounds of debate and hours of deliberation which caused one veteran trustee to cal the decision the hardest she ever had to make, the vote came back 11 in favour, eight against.
The approved strategies include:
- Establishing a Program Area Review Team to recommend the program and operational model for an Africentric Alternative School opening in September 2009;
- Establishing a pilot program in three existing schools integrating the histories, cultures, experiences and contributions of people of African descent and other racialized groups into curriculum, teaching practices and school environment;
- Establishing a Staff Development, Research and Innovation Centre in collaboration with post-secondary institutions and community agencies to assess best practices for improving the success of marginalized and vulnerable students; and
- Developing an action plan for addressing underachievement for all marginalized and vulnerable students.
To be sure, Tuesday night's announcement will hardly mark the end of debate on the controversial topic, and Board representatives have announced a Wednesday afternoon briefing on the next step.
Among the issues that still need to be resolved: the location of the test school and whether it will be elementary or secondary. The Board has also stated it hopes to get a commitment from interested parents. They're hoping for a minimum enrollment of 200 children for an elementary school and at least 500 for a high school.