Save The Heart of Old East
Lorne Ave. Public School

It’s time to take down the “Save the Heart of Old East” signs, says the Lorne Avenue Collaborative – Lorne Avenue Public School will remain open for the foreseeable future.

The collaborative is the neighbourhood committee that’s been working for more than a year to keep the school out of the accommodation review process that could lead to closure.

Lorne Ave. has now dropped so low on the list of future reviews that it is in no immediate danger, says Shelly Happy, the London InterCommunity Health Centre representative in the collaborative.

The collaborative is working with the school board and the City of London on a long-term plan, and the community will be asked for ideas on firming the school’s role as a community hub.

As for the lawn and window signs, “they send a message that the school is still threatened,” says Ms Happy.

“We have no guarantees, but we’re moving from saving the school to growing the school.”

In case you were unable to attend or stay until the end of Monday night's meeting of the CPAC (Capital Planning Advisory Committee), I am pleased to inform you that the recommendation for the proposed ARC (Accomodation Review Committee) involving Lorne Ave school has been rejected by the CPAC. The special circumstances of Lorne Ave School are recognized by the CPAC. However, the CPAC also recognizes the need of the TVDSB to review Lorne Ave in some capacity due to the amount of excess space in the building based on the Ministry's formula.

In case you were unable to attend or stay until the end of Monday night's meeting of the CPAC (Capital Planning Advisory Committee), I am pleased to inform you that the recommendation for the proposed ARC (Accomodation Review Committee) involving Lorne Ave school has been rejected by the CPAC. The special circumstances of Lorne Ave School are recognized by the CPAC. However, the CPAC also recognizes the need of the TVDSB to review Lorne Ave in some capacity due to the amount of excess space in the building based on the Ministry's formula.

The final decision for the formation of an ARC rests with the full board of trustees who will meet in February. The CPAC is there to provide advice to the trustees based on community input. In the meantime, we have several community members in talks with the Ministry of Education who are trying to have the "space to pupil formula" changed.

Many thanks all who attended the Save Lorne Ave gathering and/or the meeting on Monday night. I'm sure our overwhelming support influenced the decision of the CPAC.

Jacalyn Grabowski
Chair, Lorne Ave. School Council