Dollars should not be put before student success, says Williams student

February 1, 2017 · 0 Comments

A little while ago I read an article in The Auroran suggesting that a new high school should be built in Aurora.
There was an indication that should a new high school be built, then Dr. G. W. Williams’ Secondary School should be slated for closure.
As a current student of Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School, it is difficult for me to advocate for this, but in my opinion, the school should be closed.
A new school should be built in the area of Bayview and Wellington in Aurora.
I believe this plan would be best in helping students achieve their full potential which, after all, is the foundation for Ontario’s Education System.
I do not believe the residents of Aurora would disagree with me when I say that Williams is a historical building and should be preserved as such. The question is, are we acting in the best interest of students by allowing the door to remain open?
The school, while it has had lots of renovations, is still old and run down.
With the new subdivisions being built in the northern part of Aurora, a school move would be better for the commuting student.
Also, the school board could ensure that the new school meets the accessibility standards of the AODA, thus ensuring a truly inclusive environment.
It is my belief that it is also the school board’s intention to start up the international bachelors program at Williams in the fall. Would it not be best to do this in a clean, new environment?
While I appreciate the cost that has been put into the school to renovate it, we should not put a dollar amount on student success, which is ultimately the fundamental question at the heart of this debate.
I would ask for the Town, the local member of the provincial parliament, as well as the Member of Parliament and the board along with the town’s residents to reconsider the proposal for a new high school. I urge everyone to see this as a new opportunity for the next generation and for the Town.

Benjamin Williamson
Aurora