OCDSB supervisor scrapping elementary program changes

Parents say they still have questions after the OCDSB supervisor decided to scrap the controversial elementary program review. CTV’s Katie Griffin reports.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board supervisor is scrapping the controversial elementary program review approved by school board trustees, which included changes to programs, grade structures and school boundaries.

In a letter addressed to parents Tuesday afternoon, OCDSB supervisor Robert Plamondon said the changes would not proceed and would instead be replaced with an approach that “doesn’t disrupt students and is reflective of community feedback.”

“After extensive consultation with parents, educators, and students, I have concluded that the changes planned to elementary education would have been highly disruptive for students and families,” said Plamondon.

The program was set to be implemented in the 2026-27 school year and would have consolidated school programing in Enhanced English and French Immersion, while eliminating Middle French Immersion and closing Alternative Schools.

The review would have required approximately 1,500 more students than normal to change schools in September 2026 and would have seen changes to the grade structures at 18 schools and alterations to the boundaries at dozens of schools.

Many parents protested the changes, expressing concern that the new programs would cause disruption to their children’s education.

“The EPR changes would possibly have required thousands of students to change schools due to programming changes, placing stress on families and forcing many to navigate a complicated exemption process just to remain in their current school community,” said Plamondon.

Plamondon says the OCDSB will instead use a gradual approach to reducing the number of programs. It will include a French Immersion and English with Core French elementary program streams.

“This will take time to implement across the District,” Plamondon said. “Our goal is to make these improvements carefully and thoughtfully, with minimal disruption and maximum support for students and families.”

The program review passed nine votes to three in May, with the goal of offering French and English programming at each school and having community-based education for students.

In June, Education Minister Paul Calandra appointed Plamondon as supervisor of the school board to “restore public confidence” and “return the Board to a balanced financial position.”

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