EMSB Rejects Daycare Project at Sinclair Laird

The English Montreal School Board Council of Commissioners heard its parents loud and clear and as such will no longer entertain the idea of selling part of the park on the grounds of Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Parc Extension to a private children’s daycare operator.

On September 26, the EMSB held an information meeting for parents of children attending Sinclair Laird School on the possible sale of a small section of the schoolyard to a private daycare owner in order to build a new facility. At that meeting, Council members and representatives from the EMSB shared information regarding the request and provided an opportunity for parents to voice their opinions on the matter and ask questions.

Parents were requested to indicate whether they wanted the EMSB to either, continue the discussions and use the revenues from the sale to make improvements in the park section, or stop the process at this time. Thirty-four parents who were present completed the survey, and all indicated that they did not want to continue the process. An overwhelming number of parents commented that they wanted to keep the park as green space for the school and community.

At the last meeting of the Council of Commissioners on September 28, Administration presented the results of the survey. It was subsequently agreed to stop the process effective immediately and maintain the green space as a schoolyard and park.

EMSB Chairman Angela Mancini has extended her appreciation to the school community for its important feedback. “As we have done in the past, Council will continue to work with school communities in order to best serve the needs of students and parents” she stated.