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Ford gov’t back-to-school plan jeopardizes students’ safety, say teachers’ unions
Funding in plan falls far short of $3B estimated for safe and healthy return to school
19 h By: Sudbury.com Staff
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classroom
The Ford government is jeopardizing the safety of students, educators and all Ontarians by severely underfunding a safe return to school this September, say Ontario’s four major education unions.
The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) represent 200,000 teachers and education workers who are expected to return to school under the government’s plan.
“This plan and the funding to support it falls far short of the $3 billion that has been estimated for a safe and healthy return to school,” said AEFO president Rémi Sabourin, in a press release.
“More funds are needed for enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of schools, additional custodial staff, masks and personal protective equipment, health and safety training for staff and additional educators.”
“While the announcement of new funding is welcome, it’s quite clear that the Ford government isn’t willing to pay the full cost of ensuring the safety of students and educators in September,” said ETFO president Sam Hammond.
“The premier promised Ontarians that he ‘will spare no expense’ to keep people safe, yet he and Education Minister Stephen Lecce are betraying that promise to students, educators, parents and communities with this ill-prepared plan.”
“Educators want to be back with their students, but want to do so safely,” says OECTA president Liz Stuart. “The Ford model does not provide for the safe physical distancing that is expected in the rest of the province, and that health experts around the world have recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It also does not provide the necessary additional resources to support distance learning for those families who elect to keep their children home, or to support students in schools who have unique learning needs. Ontario’s recovery depends on a safe return to school, and this plan does not provide it.”
“This plan is an insult to every student, every parent and every educator in the province of Ontario,” said OSSTF/FEESO president Harvey Bischof. “The Ford government has had four months to come up with a serious strategy – four months to consult, to plan, and to allocate appropriate resources to ensure a safe return to school in September. It’s clear from today’s announcement that they have squandered that time. In the midst of a global pandemic, Ontario deserves more than yet another half-baked scheme from Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce.”
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Comments 13
We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how we moderate, please read our Community Guidelines.
R
Reason23 19 h
after 5 months much of this group did "virtually" nothing. Now they want the smaller class sizes, more help, and to work less. But it's all for the kids. I don't hear nurses, doctors or grocery store workers complaining.
SR
Simon Riley 19 h
Less work, no accountability, and more pay. Their position is always the same.
SR
Simon Riley 19 h
They would have kids not return to the classroom at all if they could have their way. Always hiding behind the "it's for the kids" excuse.
B
BeeJimmy 18 h
Not allowed to have 20 kids on a field outside but 30+ in a classroom, no problem. Can't have it both ways people.
JP
Jose Posy 18 h
Primary classes have maximum 21 students
B
BeeJimmy 18 h
You are aware that ends at grade 3,correct? In Kindergarten, no cap, in Junior, no cap. Very common to have classes larger than 30.
K
kissa 18 h
Primary classes (1-3).have a maximum of 20. Junior classes 4-6 have no limit. Kindergarten has no limit unless there is no DECE then it is 15. Learn your facts.
TG
Tommy Genobli 18 h
Unions complaining again. Any reasonable suggestions? Why not try a strike. We all saw how well the last one went.
K
kissa 18 h
strike went well for teachers, actually.
SR
Simon Riley 17 h
Of course it did. They always do because that's who the strikes help. I thought it was suppose to be good for the kids though?
WT
What the..... 18 h
It’s just kids we can always make more of them
SL
serius lee 18 h
A reasonable suggestion... at least until Christmas and we know more...
... kids should be social distancing with staggered on site and at home learning as per the suggestion in June. Smaller class sizes, less school bus capacity.
Sick Kids and experts did NOT recommend back to school without social distancing.
WT
What the..... 17 h
Cancel unnecessary classes
S
Sunshine4me 14 h
Exactly. Medical and Child development experts did not recommend back to school without social distancing which is why cohorts will be created. Every student will be in contact with his classroom peers only, at all times, which includes lunch and recesses. Do the math. I think we need to give kids more credit in learning, understanding and applying new procedures, as well as in regard to their ability to adapt. Perhaps some adults need to learn these things. Parents don`t need one more stress factor with people who refuse to adapt. Negative attitudes SINK the possible positive destination, which is and must remain, the children`s happiness and OVERALL well being. Where`s the faith? Waiting till after Xmas is just another way of saying "I don`t wanna do it". Then make your decision and stay home. Paid or not. Children`s faces will light up seeing their peers in person, and that IS RECOMMENDED.
Here`s a good read
D
DGG 18 h
There is no perfect plan but it would at least be nice to know what happens if a kid tests positive...
J
JohnniR 17 h
Would they get an “A” ?
T
Thinkaboutit 16 h
Everyone gets an A,
BW
Burt Ward 17 h
Crazy to think that bars, restaurants, and other stores have more precautions in place than schools.
K
kissa 15 h
So very true, Burt.
RR
Rocky Rocker 14 h
If the Union has a Better answer, please throw it on the Table. Everyone would like to know
Add your comment
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Current Poll
Are you comfortable enough with Ontario's back to school plan, announced July 30, to send your child(ren) to school in September?
Yes
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On the fence
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P3E 3N5
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Home Local News
Ford gov’t back-to-school plan jeopardizes students’ safety, say teachers’ unions
Funding in plan falls far short of $3B estimated for safe and healthy return to school
19 h By: Sudbury.com Staff
Share via Text Message
classroom
The Ford government is jeopardizing the safety of students, educators and all Ontarians by severely underfunding a safe return to school this September, say Ontario’s four major education unions.
The Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) represent 200,000 teachers and education workers who are expected to return to school under the government’s plan.
“This plan and the funding to support it falls far short of the $3 billion that has been estimated for a safe and healthy return to school,” said AEFO president Rémi Sabourin, in a press release.
“More funds are needed for enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of schools, additional custodial staff, masks and personal protective equipment, health and safety training for staff and additional educators.”
“While the announcement of new funding is welcome, it’s quite clear that the Ford government isn’t willing to pay the full cost of ensuring the safety of students and educators in September,” said ETFO president Sam Hammond.
“The premier promised Ontarians that he ‘will spare no expense’ to keep people safe, yet he and Education Minister Stephen Lecce are betraying that promise to students, educators, parents and communities with this ill-prepared plan.”
“Educators want to be back with their students, but want to do so safely,” says OECTA president Liz Stuart. “The Ford model does not provide for the safe physical distancing that is expected in the rest of the province, and that health experts around the world have recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It also does not provide the necessary additional resources to support distance learning for those families who elect to keep their children home, or to support students in schools who have unique learning needs. Ontario’s recovery depends on a safe return to school, and this plan does not provide it.”
“This plan is an insult to every student, every parent and every educator in the province of Ontario,” said OSSTF/FEESO president Harvey Bischof. “The Ford government has had four months to come up with a serious strategy – four months to consult, to plan, and to allocate appropriate resources to ensure a safe return to school in September. It’s clear from today’s announcement that they have squandered that time. In the midst of a global pandemic, Ontario deserves more than yet another half-baked scheme from Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce.”
This has been shared 334 times
Share via Text Message
How did this story make you feel?
view results >
Happy
Amused
Afraid
Don't Care
Sad
Frustrated
Angry
More Local News
Expect to pay about 111.0 at the pumps in Sudbury today Expect to pay about 111.0 at the pumps in Sudbury today
<updated>Good morning, Sudbury!</updated> Here are six stories to start your day Good morning, Sudbury! Here are six stories to start your day
Cloudy and cooler day on tap for Civic Holiday Cloudy and cooler day on tap for Civic Holiday
Comments 13
We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how we moderate, please read our Community Guidelines.
R
Reason23 19 h
after 5 months much of this group did "virtually" nothing. Now they want the smaller class sizes, more help, and to work less. But it's all for the kids. I don't hear nurses, doctors or grocery store workers complaining.
SR
Simon Riley 19 h
Less work, no accountability, and more pay. Their position is always the same.
SR
Simon Riley 19 h
They would have kids not return to the classroom at all if they could have their way. Always hiding behind the "it's for the kids" excuse.
B
BeeJimmy 18 h
Not allowed to have 20 kids on a field outside but 30+ in a classroom, no problem. Can't have it both ways people.
JP
Jose Posy 18 h
Primary classes have maximum 21 students
B
BeeJimmy 18 h
You are aware that ends at grade 3,correct? In Kindergarten, no cap, in Junior, no cap. Very common to have classes larger than 30.
K
kissa 18 h
Primary classes (1-3).have a maximum of 20. Junior classes 4-6 have no limit. Kindergarten has no limit unless there is no DECE then it is 15. Learn your facts.
TG
Tommy Genobli 18 h
Unions complaining again. Any reasonable suggestions? Why not try a strike. We all saw how well the last one went.
K
kissa 18 h
strike went well for teachers, actually.
SR
Simon Riley 17 h
Of course it did. They always do because that's who the strikes help. I thought it was suppose to be good for the kids though?
WT
What the..... 18 h
It’s just kids we can always make more of them
SL
serius lee 18 h
A reasonable suggestion... at least until Christmas and we know more...
... kids should be social distancing with staggered on site and at home learning as per the suggestion in June. Smaller class sizes, less school bus capacity.
Sick Kids and experts did NOT recommend back to school without social distancing.
WT
What the..... 17 h
Cancel unnecessary classes
S
Sunshine4me 14 h
Exactly. Medical and Child development experts did not recommend back to school without social distancing which is why cohorts will be created. Every student will be in contact with his classroom peers only, at all times, which includes lunch and recesses. Do the math. I think we need to give kids more credit in learning, understanding and applying new procedures, as well as in regard to their ability to adapt. Perhaps some adults need to learn these things. Parents don`t need one more stress factor with people who refuse to adapt. Negative attitudes SINK the possible positive destination, which is and must remain, the children`s happiness and OVERALL well being. Where`s the faith? Waiting till after Xmas is just another way of saying "I don`t wanna do it". Then make your decision and stay home. Paid or not. Children`s faces will light up seeing their peers in person, and that IS RECOMMENDED.
Here`s a good read
D
DGG 18 h
There is no perfect plan but it would at least be nice to know what happens if a kid tests positive...
J
JohnniR 17 h
Would they get an “A” ?
T
Thinkaboutit 16 h
Everyone gets an A,
BW
Burt Ward 17 h
Crazy to think that bars, restaurants, and other stores have more precautions in place than schools.
K
kissa 15 h
So very true, Burt.
RR
Rocky Rocker 14 h
If the Union has a Better answer, please throw it on the Table. Everyone would like to know
Add your comment
Add your comment
1000 characters remaining
Get your daily Sudbury news briefing
Enter your email address
See a typo/mistake?
Have a story/tip?
Current Poll
Are you comfortable enough with Ontario's back to school plan, announced July 30, to send your child(ren) to school in September?
Yes
No
On the fence
Sudbury.com
158 Elgin St.
Sudbury, ON
P3E 3N5
ph: (705) 673-5667
fax: (705) 673-4652
Send Feedback
News
Home
Local News
Neighbourhoods
Police
Opinions
Lifestyle
Entertainment
Sports
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Social Sudbury
Videos
Sudbury.com
Advertise
Contact
RSS
Newsletter
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Community
City Services
City Leisure
Hospital
Health Unit
Announcements
Obituaries
Classifieds
Community Builders Awards
Influential Women Awards
Northern Ontario Business Awards
40 Under Forty Awards
Features
Games
Comics
Horoscopes
Crosswords
Movie Listings
© 2020 Sudbury.com