A proposal to create Canada's first black-focused public school was approved by Toronto District School Board trustees Tuesday night.

They have recommended the creation of an alternative school that features a curriculum and teaching environment oriented around black history and culture.

The vote took place after an evening debate on the controversial proposal, which critics believe is a plan for segregation, while supporters believe it could keep more black students in school.

Trustees heard from a number of delegations including academics, parents, teachers and students.

A presentation was also made by the mother of Jordan Manners, a 15-year-old boy shot dead in a Toronto school last May. Loreen Small stood in opposition to the black school plan, calling it "segregation."

"This black school thing … it ain't right," she told trustees, saying teachers need more help to engage with students in multi-racial classrooms.

Some parents have said they want to try something new because the current system isn't working. As many as 40 per cent of black students don't graduate from Toronto high schools.

Angela Wilson is a mother of two who has been at the forefront of a push for Africentric or black-focused schools for years.

"Make our education system better for everybody," she said.

"It's not a one size fits all education system. It's actually working its way to be one size fits few — and the few that are successful do not look like me."

Trustees were supposed to have discussed a report delivered last week that makes four major recommendations:

  • Open an Africentric alternative school in 2009.
  • Start a three-year pilot program in three other high schools.
  • Work with York University to improve school achievement.
  • Develop a plan to help failing students.

Supporters said those options will keep black students engaged and in school, but opponents said it will lead to greater isolation.

"I just feel being with a mixed group of people is better, you know, you get to learn different cultures, different aspects of different people, the way they live," said Grade 10 student Terrin Smith-Williams.

Board chair John Campbell sees an Africentric school as just one option for dealing with the problems facing young blacks in Toronto's education system.

"It should not be viewed as the sole solution to a problem, but should instead be seen as a response to a community request for action," he said in a news release issued before the vote.

With files from the Canadian Press