June 8, 2025 

We are deeply saddened by recent tragic events that have affected communities in our Ward and across Toronto and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and individuals impacted. Our schools have reached out to their communities as we recognize some of our students may have seen police activity or heard about the recent events and are understandably upset. When serious incidents happen close to home, children may experience feelings of fear, uncertainty, anxiety or even anger.

We shared some resources below to support families at this time and want to reassure communities that social work supports are in place for students who need them. We encourage families to review TDSB’s Mental Health and Well-Being Resources for Parents/Caregivers that provide support. We also recommend you visit the City of Toronto’s Crisis Response Program webpage for more information about community agencies and supports that are also available. Please speak to your Principal should you require additional information.

Last week, on June 3, Mayor Olivia Chow, Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw and community partners introduced the City of Toronto’s Summer Safety Plan for 2025. 

According to their press release, the Summer Safety Plan, is part of the City’s overall SafeTO strategy and focuses on a preventative approach to community safety and wellbeing. It introduces programming and supports that help address the root causes of violence through strengthened community engagement, identifies pathways for investment in youth that help them build skills, secure jobs and for personal growth, and delivers spaces that Toronto’s young people need to build positive connections.

We are waiting for details to see exactly how our students and schools can be involved as part of SafeTO. 

Per pupil funding improving: this year’s gap at $404 per student - Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Media Statement

Toronto, June 2, 2025 – After years of education funding increases that lagged behind inflation, this year’s 2.64% increase marks a modest step in the right direction. For the second year in a row, education funding in Ontario is projected to increase above the rate of inflation.

We note the government’s growing investments in cybersecurity, student transportation, and temporary pupil accommodations such as portables, which have been areas of significant concern for school boards across the province. 

Following the release of last year’s Core Education Funding, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) described the projected 2024-25 funding levels as an increase below inflation. However, actual spending at the end of the fiscal year was higher than the projected amount, with an increase from the per pupil amount of $13,835 to an actual amount of $14,186 – an amount that exceeds inflation. This was mostly due to increased school board spending following the implementation of central collective bargaining agreements.

“While this year and last year represent a step in the right direction, the challenging reality is that funding still falls short of closing the gap that has developed since 2018,” said OPSBA President Kathleen Woodcock. “We are also concerned by projections in the Budget document that suggest education funding will plateau in the years ahead. This would be a step backward at a time when the needs of students, the demands on school boards, and cost pressures continue to rise.”

According to the Ministry of Education’s data (see chart below), per-pupil funding is set to rise from $14,186 in 2024-25 to $14,560 in 2025-26. That’s an increase of $374, or 2.64%.

Back in 2018, when the current government was first elected, schools were receiving $12,282 for each student. The amount planned for 2025-26 is $14,560 per student. But if adjusted to match 2018 money values, it’s actually only worth $11,878. That means there’s still a gap of $404 per student compared to 2018, although that’s better than the $776 gap we saw last year.

Still, with nearly 1.4 million students in Ontario’s English public schools, had funding kept pace with inflation from 2018, there would be approximately $693 million more in the English public system today.

Special Education

Special Education funding is among the most pressing funding challenges facing school boards. Every single one of our member boards is experiencing such increased special education demand that they are forced to spend significantly more ($582.7 million in 2024-25, see chart below) on special education than the amount that they are funded for from the government. 

We must continue to recognize the rising and complex needs of our learners, particularly those requiring special education supports. All of our member boards are routinely forced to spend beyond their allocations to support students—because they must. This is not sustainable, and it must be addressed.

Click here to see the funding gap in special education for each board, by OPSBA region

Underfunding of student transportation in many boards across the province has also created significant challenges. In both areas of Special Education and student transportation, it’s a good sign that additional funding has been added, especially given how much costs have risen in recent years. This is an area we’ll need to continue monitoring closely.

Unfunded Statutory Benefits

In addition, school boards note a significant issue regarding funding for statutory benefits – the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI). Like all employers, school boards are required to pay these important statutory benefits. CPP has been gradually increasing from 4.95% in 2019 to 5.95% at present. This increase, mandated by the federal government, costs school boards money every year. The provincial government has not provided funding to cover this. In 2024, a second additional contribution rate was added. Similarly, EI has also been increasing over this time. As has been previously reported, this has led to an annual funding gap in just this one area of more than $100 million across English public school boards.

Policy Barriers

While underfunding is one source of the financial challenges facing school boards, there are also a number of policy barriers that prevent school boards from spending money efficiently. The best example is the ongoing eight-year “temporary” moratorium on school closures. We believe there are more effective ways to invest public dollars in education, and we are ready to be part of those conversations.

Our students deserve to learn in safe, modern, and accessible spaces. To do this, we must renew aging infrastructure and ensure we have the right schools in the right places.

We urge the government to increase education funding back to 2018 levels, adjust for inflation moving forward, and eliminate policies that restrict the ability of school boards to manage public money efficiently. 

Ontario’s competitive advantage is its people, and our highly educated and skilled workforce sets us apart. The foundation of this begins in the K-12 public education system. OPSBA will continue to advocate for funding that meets the real needs of our students, staff, and communities.

As the TDSB prepares for key budget decisions later this month, Trustees continue to advocate for fair and sustainable education funding to support student success. On May 23, the Ontario government announced core education funding for the 2025–26 school year. While the TDSB is projected to receive approximately $3.4 billion, this amount still falls short of covering the actual costs of delivering education in Toronto.

Trustees have been raising awareness about the growing financial pressures facing the Board. Despite efforts to find efficiencies, the TDSB continues to face a projected deficit now at $34.4 million after the Core Education Funding announcement. This deficit is driven by factors such as a student funding shortfall  when adjusted for inflation, unfunded increases in staffing costs, unfunded statutory benefits and the inability to close underused schools due to the provincial moratorium. This is explained in more detail in the OPSBA statement above.

The report that will be presented at Committee Tuesday is intended to answer questions asked during the presentation of these reports presented at previous meetings, address the business arising motions, and provide an update on Core Ed and to present the updated 2025-26 budget deficit. From the Report:

Staff will be providing a recommended budget at Special FBEC on June 16, 2025. $34.4 million in reductions are required to achieve a balanced budget in 2025-26. The deficit recovery plan required by the Ministry was a two-year plan. TDSB’s deficit recovery plan relied on the use of proceeds of disposition for one more year until the phase in of the employee future benefits liability is complete.

The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Meetings will be broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings.

To submit a delegation request (written for the Trustees to read or oral to present to Trustees) for a Board Committee (delegations are not accepted for Board meetings), please see here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email. 

Full Agenda and Reports for meetings are available here - click on the appropriate meeting https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – Special Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – Planning and Priorities Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

This is one of the Reports to be presented at PPC this week.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) manages 66 swimming pools in Toronto, which are facing issues related to aging infrastructure and the associated costs of renewal. Operationally, TDSB staff have estimated an annual operating cost of $17.2 million for the pools, offset by revenue of $9.6 million, including both lease revenue and permit fees. The Ministry of Education does not provide funding to support the maintenance and operation of pools.

Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) was tasked with exploring innovative third-party license agreements to achieve, at a minimum, cost recovery for pools not obligated under City of Toronto agreements by May 2025 and to engage with the City of Toronto and potential private pool operators to determine the viability of enhancing financial sustainability while aligning with TDSB’s community and educational priorities.

The City of Toronto currently leases and programs 27 of TDSB's swimming facilities. TLC has had discussions with City Parks and Recreation staff and the Mayor's office, since the direction from TDSB, to explore the City licensing additional TDSB swimming pools, and to ensure that the City is paying fair rates to ensure full operating cost recovery.

In addition, TLC is tasked with assessing the feasibility and operational viability of potential license arrangements (i.e., All Pool Operators, CUSCAC Members and All Permit Holders) to support cost recovery. On May 14, TLC initiated an online web portal for stakeholder input to gauge third-party interest in licensing TDSB swimming pools. To date, 45 responses have been received from prospective partners expressing strong interest in expanding current operations.

The respondents express strong interest, indicating high viability for sustainable partnerships and as a result, TLC sees strong potential for achieving operational cost recovery across all pools through strategic third-party agreements. They also believe that priority can be maintained for TDSB students during school hours. 

Recognizing that market rates for each available pool may vary based on location and condition, TLC will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in Summer 2025 to identify one or more licensed operators for available TDSB swimming pools. TLC will report back to the Board in Fall 2025 with the RFP results and a recommended model for pool licensing aimed at achieving, at a minimum, full cost recovery for pool operations, to execute new agreements by January 1, 2026. 

This report on the PPC Agenda provides monitoring updates of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), Inspiring Minds and Shaping Futures: Our Multi-Year Commitment to Student Success for 2025-2026. 

The Ministry of Education Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and additional staff indicators are outlined in the report. Goals will be set for each strategic direction within the monitoring report based on previous year data and evidence.  

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is reviewing its property at 2327 Dufferin Street. This property has been leased to Lycée Français de Toronto since 2008. Lycée Français de Toronto, a private French international school, has expressed interest in purchasing the property to continue its operation as a school.

Following its process, the TDSB will host a virtual public meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM.  

The purpose of the meeting is to share information and gather community feedback before the Board of Trustees makes a final decision about the possible sale of the property.

As the TDSB’s agent in leasing and real estate matters, the Toronto Lands Corporation will take direction from the Board of Trustees on the future of this site.

Participants must pre-register to join the virtual public meeting. Registrations can be completed here. For more information on this review, please visit the TDSB’s website.

As we look toward the end of the school year, there may be excitement, as well as thoughts and feelings that bring forward a need for support. 

The Summer 2025 Well-Being Guide is a place to learn about resources and activities to make the most of this time of year, while supporting and improving our mental health and well-being. Full of supports, resources and activities for your family!

Check out this summer's Well-Being Guide now.

As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, many students in our community will be excited to head back to class. For some, that excitement is overshadowed by the stress of not having basic school supplies on their first day. 

A backpack filled with the essentials can make a world of difference in a student’s confidence, preparedness, and not feeling left out. This year the need is great as we face greater uncertainty around the impact of tariffs, significant costs in housing and general rising costs of living here in Toronto. Your donation can empower a student to learn with confidence, ease the burden on families who are struggling and set the tone for a positive school year.

A $25 donation = one backpack for a student.

How you can help:

Make a monetary donation towards the purchase of a backpack and supplies on School Cash Online (select the “TDSB Backpack Campaign” from the drop down menu).

Donate a new backpack or school supplies. We are accepting donations of new backpacks and school supplies (gender neutral in colour, basic school supplies such as pencils, crayons, calculators etc.). Please complete our Donation Information Form.

Spread the word with colleagues, friends and family.

This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from June 1 the end of September 2025. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. Donate now.

I recently updated my website with a status update of Ward 8 school renewal projects over $10,000 that are planned or underway for 2024-25 and some of the larger projects currently in design that are planned for 2025-26. Read about them here - Planned and In-Progress Construction Projects in Ward 8 - May 2025.

June is Pride Month at the TDSB!

It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our 2SLGBTQ+ community. 

Read more here.

Join Us at the 2025 Pride Parade!

We are thrilled to invite students, staff, and their families and friends to join the loud and proud TDSB contingent at the Toronto PRIDE Parade on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

This year, Pride Toronto is once again working to become more environmentally friendly and “go greener.” Due to new regulations, the size of the TDSB float will be smaller than in previous years, with reduced rider capacity. As a result, Pride Toronto is encouraging more participants to march — bikes, scooters, rollerblades, or any other energy-efficient modes of transportation are welcome!

Meeting Details:

We’re asking all walking TDSB participants to gather between 1:00 and 1:15 p.m. at Asquith Green Park (west side of Church Street, one block north of Bloor). Please see Map 1 (Marchers Gathering Point) here.

TDSB staff will be at the park to guide everyone to our mustering point at Ted Rogers Way and Charles Street.

Participation Options:

TDSB participants will have the option of either marching in the parade or riding on the TDSB float (limited capacity).

Parade Route:

The parade will begin moving from Church Street and Bloor Street at 2:00 p.m. It will head west, then turn south on Yonge Street, and turn right this year onto Dundas Street, ending at Nathan Phillips Square by approximately 7:00 p.m. Please see Map 2 (Toronto Pride Parade Map) here.

At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.

Elementary

Elementary Summer School

Extended Day Program – Summer Program

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program

Outdoor Education Summer Camp

Summer Music Camps

Secondary

Credit Courses for e-Summer High School (online)

Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Programs

International Youth Summer Program

Special Education and Inclusion

Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program

Adult

Adult ESL Summer Program

Learn4Life General Interest Courses

Printable Course Listing

Open to adults 18 years of age and seniors, the Learn4Life program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals to pursue their interests, expand their knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning with a wide range of courses and activities designed to cater to diverse interests and passions. Learn more.

Available Courses and Register Here

Helping Hands, Stronger Schools: Volunteering in TDSB Schools

Wednesday, June 11th from 6:30PM to 8:00PM

Learn about the PR747 policy and what it means for volunteers, step-by-step on how to submit a vulnerable sector check and more!

Register at http://tdsbHUB.ca

Measles Continues to Spread

Here's what to know:

Measles continues to spread.

Here's what to know.

Check your vaccine records.

You are considered protected from #measles if you got 2 doses of the vaccine.

Know the symptoms.

Find out what to do if you were exposed or get sick.

More info: http://toronto.ca/measles Toronto Public Health

Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center

SickKids started a Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) platform in 2021 (Learn more by clicking here).

After initial community consultation, SickKids have created the Greeter-supported Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center (a local mall located at Lawrence and the Allen Road). This one-year project is a novel, health equity-focused approach to urgent care, which would see SickKids provide an additional way for one of Toronto’s most digitally underserved communities to access our VUC platform.

The initiative launched in late January. SickKids are very excited to bring this novel, health equity-focused resource to the community - we hope this project brings benefits to the local community and learning that will improve care for patients and families.

As staff continue developing the overarching Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy please remember that should an incident of antisemitism or any form of hate or racism occur in our schools, principals have an obligation to report it.

As I repeat in every update, the TDSB collects data through the Bias and Hate (RBH) Portal. An increase in antisemitic incidents is being experienced in our schools as it is in our communities - on my website I have excerpted from all our public reports on the data - TDSB Public Reports with RBH Portal Data 2018-2024. Principals and Superintendents are being reminded of their responsibilities in documenting incidents and educating against them. All students and staff - all students and staff - must be safe in our schools and free from discrimination, harassment and hate. Antisemitism is but one form of hate our students and staff are experiencing. 

From 211 antisemitic incidents in 2022-2023 to 312 antisemitic incidents in 2023-2024 is an increase of 48%.

Incidents of Islamophobia was the only other reported data that rose between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 - it went from 4% to 4.7% - East Asian racism incidents went from 9% last year to 7.3% this year - Middle Eastern went from 4% last year to 3.3% this year - anti-Black racism went from 61% last year to 59% this year. 

If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of/or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate all incidents. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please. If you are concerned your complaint is not being taken seriously after you follow the Parent Concern Protocol, please let me know.

For incidents involving and impacting students, the following procedures can apply: Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools, PR728 Parent Concern Protocol, PR505 Caring and Safe Schools related procedures

For employee complaints, the following procedures can apply: Workplace Harassment Prevention and Human Rights, PR515 (for employee conduct alleged to be a human rights violation or Code-based workplace harassment) Non-Code Based Workplace Harassment, PR740

In some circumstances an incident entered into the RBH portal may be a breach of the Criminal Code through the incitement of hate; in which case, the incident must also be reported to the police in accordance with PR728.

Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.

If you witness something inside the community, report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. The Police state they will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.

Please ensure you check for Days of Significance before scheduling student and community events - as the TDSB is currently reviewing ours - for 2024-25, the TDSB will only publish a Faith/Creed-Based Holy Days Calendar and an Indigenous Days of Significance Calendar. For now, please check the Multi-Faith calendar available online https://multifaithcalendar.org/cal/index.php.

2005 - 2026 School Year Calendar

The Ministry has approved the 2025-26 School Year Calendar!

It is the hope that presenting this early provides students, parents and staff sufficient notice to make plans for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes Italian Heritage Month each June, a tradition since 2012. This celebration aligns with the Italian Heritage Month Act, passed in 2010, which designates June as a time to honour Italian heritage across Ontario.

This year’s TDSB theme is La Dolce Vita: Celebrating the Sweet Life of Italian Culture. Embracing life to its fullest means enjoying a simple meal made with a few modest ingredients, enriched with love and shared with family and friends—often with music in the background and a focus on living in the moment. Italian culture values art, fashion, elegance, and a balanced lifestyle. These elements all contribute to this year’s theme: La Dolce Vita. For highlights and more information, follow the Italian Heritage Month Committee below: X (formerly Twitter): @ItalianHer1 Instagram: @ItalianHeritageTDSB

The Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month each June, a tradition since 2011. This celebration aligns with the Province of Ontario’s Celebration of Portuguese Heritage Act, passed in 2001.

The month of June and the day of June 10, in particular, have always been a great time of celebration by the Portuguese community.

The celebrations honour the life of Luis de Camoes and his famous epic poems, the Lusiads, with cultural performances, history seminars, poem recitals, street parades, and many other activities. The Lusiads are epic poems narrating the history of Portugal up to and including the era of the discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries. June 10 is the anniversary of the death of Luis de Camoes.

This year’s TDSB theme is A Festa of Food. Festa means celebration in Portuguese—and no celebration is complete without food! Throughout June, we will explore the Portuguese-speaking world through its rich and diverse culinary traditions. A special event featuring musical performances, guest speakers, and, of course, delicious food will be held at the Gallery of Portuguese Pioneers.

Follow the Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month Committee @TDSB_PSHM.

Vaccines - Make Sure You're Up-to-Date

Learn more about where you can get your vaccines, including the flu, COVID-19 and school-based vaccines.

Vaccine preventable diseases are still spreading globally. Vaccines help build and strengthen our immune system, protecting us against diseases.

For more information on timing of recommended vaccinations visit Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule 

In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupil Act (ISPA) requires all students to be up to date with meningococcal vaccines or have a valid exemption  even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as a child. Visit School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, which examines the history and legacy of the most significant site of the Holocaust, for its exclusive Canadian showing. The exhibition opened on January 10, 2025, and runs to September 1, 2025.

The public is invited to purchase tickets - more information can be found here.  More information on school visits for grades 6-12 can be found here. 

I have been communicating issues we have been having with dogs on school property with every update. Now, as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming environment on TDSB properties, we would like to update you on the policies and new reporting procedures related to dogs on school grounds.

The TDSB enforces a strict policy regarding dogs on its properties. Dogs are generally not permitted on TDSB grounds, with the exception of service animals as defined by the Student Use of Service Animals in Schools Policy (P096) and the Use of Service Animals by the General Public Procedure (PR604). These guidelines are in place to ensure proper management and support for service animals within our schools.

Dogs Are Not Allowed on School Property and Must be Leashed in Public

The TDSB enforces a strict policy regarding dogs on its properties. To effectively address incidents of dogs being off-leash on school properties, a new reporting process has been established through the City of Toronto’s 311 service. Call 311 to report dogs off-leash on school property.

If you own a dog, they must be on a leash in public, unless you are at a dogs off-leash area. No excuses! You are responsible for your dog’s behaviour. Learn what responsible dog owners do at http://toronto.ca/LeashYourDog

New Reporting Process for Dogs Off-Leash

To effectively address incidents of dogs being off-leash on school properties, a new reporting process has been established through the City of Toronto’s 311 service. Community members can report such incidents either by phone or online:

Phone Reporting: Call 311 to report dogs off-leash on school property

Online Reporting: Visit the City of Toronto Service Request or Feedback webpage.

If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.

If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.

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