Parents Demand Answers as Parry Sound High School Moves Online

Students in grades 9 through 12 at Parry Sound High School will begin the academic year with remote learning due to ongoing construction issues that have left the school partially demolished. The decision, announced via email on the eve of the new school year by the Near North District School Board, has ignited frustration among parents who feel blindsided by the abrupt change.

The email to families failed to provide a comprehensive explanation or an apology, leading to widespread discontent. “As of last night, that was the official email that we received from the school board saying that 9 to 12 would be going online,” said Amy Black, a member of the advocacy group Parents for Parry Sound. “There wasn’t a more detailed explanation as to why.”

Parents have expressed growing concern about the implications of remote learning on their children’s academic progress. Without a clear timeline for when in-person classes might resume, many are anxious about the impact on post-secondary applications. “What’s the backup plan? No timeline was given. No commitment to a backup plan,” said Lesley Kennedy, whose child is entering Grade 12. Her husband, Jacob Kennedy, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for more substantial communication from the school board.

While the board’s email mentioned safety concerns and included a vague assurance regarding students returning to the classroom, it did not specify a return date. The Kennedys remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that the remaining issues preventing students from returning can be resolved swiftly. “I’m hopeful that once those five things are addressed, the kids will be going back,” said Lesley.

The decision to initiate remote learning has drawn sharp criticism from parents, who likened the current situation to the emergency remote learning implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Covid was an emergency and remote was implemented. This is due to incompetence,” commented Kim Durocher in the Parents for Parry Sound Facebook group. Another parent, Jennifer Limbert Gall, expressed her frustration, stating, “Remote learning doesn’t work. This is getting absolutely ridiculous! Already stressed out kids are getting mixed messages and last-minute changes that are increasing already high anxiety.”

Black also highlighted concerns regarding the quality of education students will receive during this period. “We just feel that our kids are being expected to accept subpar education,” she stated. “This whole entire situation was avoidable.”

Adding to the parents’ frustration is a recent procedural failure at the school board level. A motion requesting the Minister of Education to investigate the board and its oversight was supported by four of seven trustees last week. However, the motion was later deemed null and void due to the absence of the director at the meeting, which violated the policy of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. A representative from the Near North District School Board confirmed that all motions passed would need to be revisited at the next board meeting, scheduled for September.

“We’re really confused and frustrated at this point,” Black said. “If the ministry can’t step in and intervene, then who can? Who is holding the senior administration accountable?”

In an attempt to address their concerns, Parents for Parry Sound recently met with Graydon Smith, a local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). However, the meeting did not yield substantial progress. Black reported that the MPP continually asked parents to propose solutions, which she found frustrating. “We are not here to table solutions. This is your job, and the minister’s job,” she asserted.

With limited time and resources remaining before the school year progresses, the group has initiated a petition appealing directly to the Minister of Education for intervention. They feel they have yet to receive clear communication regarding plans for the school year from both the school board and their local MPP.

Meanwhile, students in junior kindergarten through Grade 6 are expected to attend McDougall Public School, while those in grades 7 and 8 will report to Nobel Public School. Parents of these students also express concerns regarding outstanding safety issues related to the McDougall facility, which was slated for closure in favor of the delayed construction of the Parry Sound K-12 school. The current arrangements for elementary students remain unchanged.

As parents continue to navigate this uncertain situation, the call for accountability and clear communication remains paramount. The ongoing developments at Parry Sound High School highlight the challenges facing educational institutions and families during times of significant transition.