Afrocentric High School back on the agenda

By Gerald V. Paul

The Toronto District School Board is revisiting the idea of having an Africentric High School for future graduates of its Africentric elementary school.

But like eight months ago at Oakwood Collegiate, it was a topic too hot to handle last Wednesday, and so it was sent to a full board meeting later this month, despite the presence of advocates in the room.

Meanwhile, the Opportunity Gap report which addresses the issue of financial support and other incentives to disadvantaged students will go to a full board meeting November 16. If it is passed, an advisory committee will be set up to examine the various proposals, which include more mentoring and outreach and the possibility of financial incentives and support to students who face financial barriers.

“By almost any measure, the Africentric elementary school has been a spectacular success, so it’s essential there be a pathway for students to continue – into high school - to get the opportunity so desperately need, “ said Ryerson University Professor Grace-Edward Galabuzi.

The Africentric alternative school is in it’s third year and has grown to include 188 children from kindergarten to Grade 7, with 20 more on the waiting list. It boasts higher scores on province-wide tests of the 3 Rs than board or provincial average.

Trustees agreed in 2008 to study the feasibility of an Africentric high school, but a surprise staff plan last spring to open one this fall at Oakwood with little community consultation was derailed by protest from hundreds of students and parents.

The committee also referred to the larger board the final decision on opening a series of boutique style speciality schools next fall, including a boys’ academy, a girl’s academy, choir schools and health and wellness schools.

However, other initiatives, including helping students who struggle most, such as low-income and Black, got the green light from the committee.