While the TDSB annually faces deficit budgets and is forced to make cuts to services, I submit the board has not moved quickly enough to manage its property assets responsibly. The TDSB is seeing a decline in enrolment of about 4000 students a year and for over a decade has held onto dozens of schools that are almost half-empty.

It is also sitting on between 90-100 properties that are either closed or vacant with a property value of $640 million. I submit that revenue from the sale of these assets, and savings from consolidations, should go back into our classrooms, renew our aged facilities, increase capacity in schools that are over-enrolled and fund programs and support staff. The creation of the Toronto Lands Corporation, along with the Better Schools, Brighter Futures initiatives is a positive step forward. However, I am genuinely concerned that political and ideological interests of some trustees have, over several years, obstructed this admittedly controversial but important work.

For the next TDSB meeting-August 26th, 2009

Notice of Motion for the Toronto District School Board- Trustee Josh Matlow, Seconded by Trustee Chris Tonks

Whereas, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is in trust of public funds and has a duty to manage its property assets responsibly;

Whereas, the TDSB has, for many years, been experiencing a sharp decline in enrolment at a rate of approximately 4000 students per year;

Whereas; the TDSB operates dozens of schools that have only between 50 and 60 percent enrolment and are situated in communities that have other local schools; many of which would benefit from additional programs and services

Whereas, the TDSB ‘s school programs and aged facilities are in need of new operating and capital funds;

Whereas, an Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) engages local communities, in a process to fairly determine appropriate surplus declarations with a focus on program and services for students and their school communities.

Therefore, be it resolved that the TDSB commence at least ten ARCs during the 2009/ 2010 school year and at least another ten ARCs during the 2010/ 2011 school year.