In my research that I have done, I have found MANY schools that have either been saved or drastically improved in numbers simply by adding EFI in their programming.
Take, for example, Roxmore Public school in Avonmore. (Upper Canada District School Board). Avonmore is a small town, with even fewer residents that Munster and was on the brink of closure numerous time. The final time, the community pushed for EFI because of the growing demand in their community as well as their neighbouring communities. The school went from a population of 63 students one year, to 105 the next. Why? Because of EFI!
Another example would be Broadview Public School in Ottawa. Even though it was not at risk of closing, the undeniable increase of student population can be seen because of the introduction of EFI. In the 2008-2009 year, they had a total of 149 students from JK-Grade 4. The following year, they had 341 students, an increase of 192 children. And now, they have a total of 430 students.
Yet another example would be Devonshire Public School in Ottawa. In 2003, with only 138 students from JK-Grade 3, the board was going to close the school, but luckily for them, EFI was implemented. Last year, their student population was 245!
My hope, now, is that another trustee raises the motion for EFI and that is what they vote on at the board meeting on February 24. The meeting begins at 7pm at the Ottawa-Carleton School Board office on Greenbank Road.
Laura Rupert-Doane, Munster