Parent starts letter campaign over EA cuts (Update)

Lindsay says Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne called her Friday at about 1pm where the two chatted for approximately 10 minutes.

“Wynne answered most questions directly,” she says.
“I felt good walking away from the chat. She said that the funding formula is still a work in progress."

"When I inquired about helping out our board for September, she said to talk to the Board about new grants available as well as, talking to the Special Education Group in the Bay,” says Lindsay.

Lindsay added that it is difficult to remember everything that was said during the 10 minutes, but felt a lot of ground was covered and is thankful that Monique Smith and Wynne listened to her concerns.

“I also received an email back from McGuinty today almost seems like a form letter with a few personal remarks thrown in so I can't accuse him of sending a form letter.”

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Charlene Lindsay informs BayToday that MPP Monique Smith contacted her Friday morning and has arranged for a telephone conference between Lindsay, Smith and the Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne.

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The Near North District School Board handed out pink slips to Education Assistants earlier this week, which has caused great concern for the parents of students who depend on the EAs.

Concerned parent Charlene Lindsay, troubled by the move, says she is not taking the news lying down and has started a letter writing campaign.

“I've been trying to reach people to stand up for our children.”

So far Lindsay has sent her letter to Ontario Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne, Nipissing MPP Monique Smith, and PC leader John Tory, and even Prime Minister Steven Harper.

“I have received minimal response. Someone needs to help our children's future,” she states.

Lindsay’s letter is below.

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I am writing you not only as a concerned citizen, but also, as a concerned parent with children in the Northern school system.

I realize some implementations have been promised to help the flawed funding formula in the north eventually. I am afraid it will be too late for many children. I have written letters in the past to previous governments with concerns and have received form letters back. This is unacceptable. I do realize people are busy, that is just impolite.

Due to lack of money from the flawed funding formula, the Near North District School Board has been forced to have school closures, as well as, cuts to Special Education.

Educational Assistants, Resource support etc. are a vital part to a growing need in our education system. Any cuts to this area of education are like cutting off the legs to a body which needs to adapt to survive. It is my understanding that our children are entitled to a quality education.

I suppose they would if I lived in Southern Ontario or was wealthy to pay for tutors and private school. Don’t get me wrong, the children in the Near North are educated as best as they can be with the resources available.

I am a parent who has always been involved in my children's education in many ways. I make sure my children cannot fall through the cracks. Many children do though and this is a tragedy.

It is unfair to evaluate a teacher with EQAO testing when there are limited resources and funding. We have excellent teachers and support staff in the Near North Board. Why can't the money wasted on this test, which is not accurate to true ability due to many variables, be used where it needs to be. With the growing number of identified children we need more bodies and resources in the classroom, not less.

I am not writing this letter maliciously. This is a great concern not only for myself, but also for many parents.

I feel government is bias to its constituents. The lower class fights to survive and the upper class has many perks and benefits.

I truly believe if more attention is not given to these flaws in funding to education in the north, it will be a sad state of society with many on assistance, unable to get a job because they are not educated.

Dropping out of school because of frustration at not understanding and having no or limited support to get them through.

I'm positive that I will not be the only parent you will be hearing from. A response would be appreciated, and please not a form letter. I look forward to a timely response.

Thank you for your time,

Charlene Lindsay
North Bay, ON

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