St. Dorothy Elementary School in St-Michel would be one of the schools affected if the EMSB eliminates its bilingual program. The board would still offer its core and immersion programs. (EMSB)

English Montreal School Board will introduce a draft resolution Wednesday evening to cut its bilingual education program, and some parents worry it could be the first step towards closing schools.

The bilingual program is one of three levels of French-language instruction the board offers at its elementary schools.

Students in the bilingual stream receive about half of their education in French, compared to one-third French that is offered in the core program and two-thirds French which is offered in the full immersion program over the course of a child's education.

Board chair Angela Mancini said studies conducted by the board show that students retain French and English just as well or even better with the immersion program, compared to the bilingual program.

"The fact the immersion program introduced French from earlier on… there may be a better acquisition of the language as a result of that," said Mancini.

For educational and administrative reasons, she said, the board must consider if bilingual program is worth keeping.

Parents worry about loss of program

The bilingual program is a popular choice for some parents who want to make sure their kids learn to read and write English early on.

Georgia Jerkovic, who has two children at St. Dorothy elementary school in St-Michel, said she is worried what will happen if the program is discontinued.

"My youngest would go from having French and English every other day to having French uniquely. I believe that he will struggle," she said.

Parent commissioner Angie Bertone said the board has polled parents about the bilingual program, and has found it is less popular than the other two levels of instruction.

However, she worries that that board has another reason for eliminating it.

"I think it has to do more administratively, it would be easier when it comes down to school closures," said Bertone.

Bertone believes the school board is positioning for next March, when it is expected to announce schools that may be on the chopping block.