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School Board expresses 'our disappointment' over new government education plans

'The required reduction in full-time teaching positions due to increased class sizes and elimination of program-specific grants will significantly impact students and organizational function'
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The Near North District School Board has written to Education Minister Lisa Thompson to express its disappointment with the proposed reforms that form part of Ontario’s new vision of “Education that Works for You.”

The letter acknowledges the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.but expresses concern about the long and short-term impact of the proposed changes to student achievement and well-being. 

"The proposed increase in class sizes will result in a reduction of teaching positions and limit the ability of students to have needed one-on-one interactions with teachers," writes Chair Jay Aspin. "In addition, as a Northern Board with a number of smaller rural schools, meeting the required class size requirements is challenging as the student population is not always available.

"One of the significant concerns for our Board is the ability to offer courses and specialized programming with the reduction in staffing.  With a smaller population base, the combination of increased class sizes and reduction of staffing positions will significantly limit the number of elective and specialized programming available. This will effectively put our students at a disadvantage when compared to their Southern Ontario counterparts.  In order to ensure that Northern Ontario remains economically viable our future employees and citizens must have access to quality education."

The Board also has concerns over reductions in staffing.

"The required reduction in full-time teaching positions due to increased class sizes and elimination of program-specific grants will significantly impact students and organizational function," continues Aspin. "While the loss of teaching positions due to increased class sizes will be eligible for financial assistance through the 'Attrition Protection', there are a significant number of other key positions which will also be reduced including school support staff and educational assistants."

Aspin warns, "It will be difficult to continue our work and growth without the knowledge and commitment of our qualified staff. As you are aware, recruitment and retention of qualified and talented individuals can be difficult in Northern Ontario due to demographics and population challenges. We anticipate that the replacement of key positions with the required skills will be extremely difficult."

The letter also takes aim at mandatory E-Learning.

"We already offer e-learning courses, we know that in many areas of our school board students are unable to access reliable internet service and/or transportation to an accessible location. The e-learning environment is not appropriate for all students and subject matters."

Aspin says the Board is also troubled by funding cuts, saying they will result in the loss of employees who contribute every day to student achievement. 

"We ask that you focus on students and value public education by reconsidering the changes to class sizes and funding that will impact both the programs we can offer to students and the number of employees in our system.  The timeline for the implementation of any proposed changes should also be reviewed. The proposed staffing and funding will require adjustments to programming, portfolios and students’ supports which will have far-reaching and long-term impacts on our students and communities."

See related: School board chair says teachers won't lose jobs


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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