Rainbow's arts, technology, IB programs under review

Four Rainbow District School Board high school programs offering specialized instruction in everything from the arts to technology are under review.

These courses are referred to as “magnet programs” because the board provides transportation for students to attend the schools where they're offered, no matter where in the city they happen to live.

They include Sudbury Secondary School's Arts Education program, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Lockerby Composite School's Science and Technology Education Program, established in 1991, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, established in 1999, and the Integrated Technology program at Lively District Secondary School, established in 2002.

Rainbow board chair Doreen Dewar said trustees voted in favour of the review Jan. 27 because some of these programs have been around for a long time, and it's a good idea to ensure they still meet students' needs.

Transportation costs and specialized equipment also mean they're expensive to deliver, she said.

Dewar did add, however, that these programs offer a lot of value to students, giving the example of Sudbury Secondary arts graduates going on to do great things in show business.

“I'm sure you've seen the impact it's had on the kids,” she said. “It's wonderful.”

Rainbow's senior administrators began the process last September, analyzing data such as student achievement data and transportation costs, and conducting focus groups with stakeholders.

Things will move fairly quickly from now on, with a report on the magnet programs to be presented to trustees at their Feb. 10 strategic planning committee meeting, and public presentations set for Feb. 24 and March 10.

Trustees are expected to make a final decision March 24. However, Dewar said if a major change is suggested, it's possible trustees could defer any decisions to a later date.