Title
School Closure Decision-Making Processes: Problems and Prospects
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 2012
Journal
Canadian Journal of Urban Research
Volume
21
Issue
2
First Page
45
Last Page
67
Abstract
This paper explores the issue of the permanent closures of public schools in Ontario. School closure processes are highly (and bitterly) contested, rife with conflict, and with few exceptions, harshly criticized by school and community stakeholders who see closures as a loss of irreplaceable social infrastructure. There is a need for a more nuanced planning style that acknowledges the realities of politics, unequal power relations and the validity of community residents' needs and values.To better understand the consequences of school closures upon communities, the authors evaluate the historical and current school closure decision-making process in Ontario. This entails a four part approach: understanding the role that schools play and the impacts of closure, especially on inner-city communities; examining the reasons for closures; exploring the closure process itself, comparing and contrasting process intent with application experiences; and, identifying alternatives to existing school-closures decision-making processes and framework.
Citation of this paper:
2012. Irwin, Bill and Mark Seasons. “School Closure Decision-Making Processes: Problems and Prospects”, Canadian Journal of Urban Research, Winter 2012 21:2, 45-67