Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have voted to approve an "operational model" for an Afrocentric school, a controversial plan to help struggling black students in the city's education system.

"The strategies developed by our staff following consultation with our communities, will hopefully more effectively address the needs of youth who have historically struggled in TDSB schools," John Campbell, chair of the board, said in a press release late Tuesday night.

In total, the board has approved four strategies:

• Creating a "Program Area Review Team" to recommend the program and operational model for an Africentric Alternative School, to open in September 2009;
• Establishing a pilot program in three existing schools that would integrate the "histories, cultures, experiences and contributions of people of African descent and other racialized groups" into curriculum;
• Establishing a "Staff Development, Research and Innovation Centre" to assess the best way for improving the success of marginalized and vulnerable students; and,
• Drawing up a plan to address underachievement for all marginalized and vulnerable students.

There was extra security at the board's head office, located at 5050 Yonge St. in North York, to ensure discussions were peaceful before the vote.

Supporters of the proposed Afrocentric school shut down a board meeting in November when they realized the issue wouldn't be discussed that night. The outraged proponents demanded trustees move ahead quickly on the plan.

On Tuesday night, only those making presentations were allowed on the main floor of the boardroom. Other residents were seated in the second-floor balcony, and the cafeteria, which can hold 200 people and was designated as an overflow area.

There was expected to be 24 deputations to listen to, including addresses from Campbell and Lorren Small, the mother of Jordan Manners. Manners was gunned down inside his Toronto school last May.

A report by senior board staff, released earlier this month, recommends creating a black-focused school in the city's northwest end, and that it be open to all students.

Another recommendation calls for the implementation of African-centred curriculums at three existing schools, as early as this fall. The report doesn't say which schools should offer the programs.

Some trustees have voiced their approval and disapproval of the recommendations ahead of the vote. Supporters say such schools will improve the academic performance of black youth, while those opposed say it will divide children.

With a report from CTV Toronto's Galit Solomon