About ARC

On October 31, 2006, the Ministry of Education issued new guidelines for school closures. The purpose of the Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines is to provide direction to school boards regarding public accommodation reviews undertaken to determine the future of a school or group of schools.  

The guidelines are to ensure that where a decision is taken by a school board regarding the future of a school, that decision is made with the full involvement of an informed local community and it is based on a broad range of criteria regarding the quality of the learning experience for students.

In recognition of the important role schools play in strengthening rural and urban communities and the importance of healthy communities for student success, it is also expected that decisions consider the value of the school to the community, taking into account other government initiatives aimed at strengthening communities.

In April 2009, the Board of Trustees approved a pupil accommodation review of St.~Bernard, St. Mary, St. Pius X Schools in Brantford .  This approval initiated an Accommodation Review and the formation of an Accommodation Review Committee (ARC). The ARC must ensure that a wide range of school and community groups are consulted.  These groups may include school councils, parents, guardians, students, teachers, the local community and other interested parties.  At a minimum, ARCs are required to hold four public meetings to consult and to present the School Valuation Framework report and recommendations.  

The ARC is to submit the School Valuation Framework report to Board administration.  The School Valuation Framework report is to be accessible to trustees and the public.  Board staff should review and analyze the School Valuation Framework report.  Board staff will present the findings and recommendations of the School Valuation Framework report along with their proposals and recommendations to the trustees, who will then make the final decision regarding the future of the school(s).  As part of the Board’s resolution to close a school, the Board must outline clear time lines regarding when the school(s) will close.

After the intention to conduct an accommodation review of a school or schools has been announced by the Board, there must be no less than 60 days notice prior to the first of four (minimum) public meetings. Beginning with the first public meeting, the public consultation period must be no less than 90 days.

After the ARC completes its School Valuation Framework report, it is to make the report and recommendations publicly available and submit the report and recommendations to Board administration.  After the submission of the School Valuation Framework report, there must be no less than 60 days notice prior to he meeting where the trustees will vote on the recommendation(s).

If you have any comments or concerns, please forward an email to arc@bhncdsb.ca.