Article – The proposal to close several of Ottawa’s alternative schools has sparked significant community backlash, with parents, educators, and students uniting to challenge what many describe as a shortsighted decision by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB).
At a packed community meeting last night, more than 300 attendees filled the Churchill Alternative School gymnasium, many carrying handmade signs reading “Save Our Schools” and “Alternative Education Matters.” The emotional gathering highlighted the deep connections families have formed with these specialized learning environments.
“These schools aren’t just buildings – they’re communities where children who struggled in traditional settings have found their voice,” explained Mariam Khalidi, whose daughter attends Summit Alternative School. “My child went from hiding under desks to enthusiastically participating in class discussions. How can the board measure that transformation on a spreadsheet?”
The OCDSB cites declining enrollment and budget constraints as primary factors driving the proposed closures. According to board financial documents, maintaining alternative programs costs approximately 15% more per student than traditional schools, amounting to nearly $1.2 million annually across the district’s alternative sites.
Board Trustee Mark Fisher acknowledged the difficult position. “We’re facing unprecedented financial pressures with provincial funding that hasn’t kept pace with inflation or special program needs. These aren’t decisions we take lightly.”
However, parents question the board’s priorities and calculation methods. A parent coalition has formed, commissioning an independent analysis suggesting the board’s financial projections fail to account for the downstream costs of reintegrating students who may struggle in conventional settings.
Dr. Elaine Chen, an educational psychologist who works with Ottawa families, explains the unique value of alternative schools. “These environments provide crucial options for children with different learning styles, anxiety issues, or those seeking more collaborative approaches. The one-size-fits-all model simply doesn’t work for every child.”
Alternative schools in Ottawa operate with modified teaching approaches, including multi-age classrooms, enhanced outdoor education, and stronger emphasis on student-directed learning. They typically maintain smaller class sizes and incorporate more parental involvement than traditional schools.
Laura Shantz, whose son thrived at Regina Street Alternative School after struggling with behavioral issues elsewhere, fears what closure would mean. “The board talks about incorporating alternative practices into mainstream schools, but without dedicated spaces and properly trained staff, it’s just lip service,” she told me between wiping away tears.
The Ottawa Parent Council Association has raised concerns about the consultation process, claiming it hasn’t allowed sufficient time for meaningful community input. Their spokesperson, Justine Martin, suggested the decision appears predetermined. “When the only option presented is closure, it’s hard to see this as an authentic dialogue.”
Several local politicians have joined the conversation, with Somerset Ward Councillor Ariel Troster attending last night’s meeting. “Alternative schools represent the kind of educational innovation and community-building we should be expanding, not eliminating,” Troster stated.
The OCDSB plans to vote on the closures at their December meeting, giving community advocates less than six weeks to organize opposition. Parent groups have launched a website, launched a petition with over 5,000 signatures, and scheduled delegations to appear before the board.
For students like 12-year-old Zach Williams, the potential closure represents more than just a change of buildings. “I used to hate school before coming to Churchill. Teachers here understand I need to move around sometimes or take breaks. I’m worried no one will understand me at a regular school.”
Education advocacy group People for Education notes that alternative schools often serve as crucial innovation laboratories, with teaching approaches developed in these settings eventually benefiting the broader system. Their research indicates students in alternative settings report higher levels of engagement and lower absenteeism.
Having covered Ottawa education for nearly fifteen years, I’ve witnessed multiple rounds of budget constraints and difficult decisions. What stands out in this case is the striking disconnect between administrative financial calculations and the lived community experience
