We, the parents/caregivers and educators are deeply concerned about the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) recent decision to move the Gifted Program out of Stanley Public School and out of our community entirely. This change means that students who qualify for gifted education will now have to travel much farther to access the support they need — a burden that disproportionately affects families in underserved communities.
Removing the Gifted Program from Stanley not only limits access to enriched learning opportunities but sends a message that students in our neighbourhood are not a priority. The transition would also be disruptive to our children’s learning and emotional well-being, forcing them to leave familiar environments, routines, peers, and trusted educators.
In addition, this relocation raises serious safety concerns. The proposed new location places students in a community with a known history of tensions and conflict — a reality that could put children at risk and create anxiety for families already feeling unheard by the system.
This decision is not an isolated one. It is part of a larger pattern of programs being impacted by budget cuts and structural changes that are disproportionately affecting students and families in underserved communities. Our children deserve better.
Every child deserves access to quality education close to home, regardless of their postal code.
We are calling on the TDSB to reverse this decision and keep the Gifted Program at Stanley Public School, ensuring equitable access, safety, and stability for all students in our community.