May Update – Trustee Sara
Friends, I hope this update finds everyone enjoying the warmer weather and longer days.
We are starting to receive details on the provincial education budget. The province has reorganized how it funds education, which is generating confusion. Advanced notice and training on this was not provided to school boards in what seems to be a deliberate chaos. Funding levels are well under inflation, and we are learning some very important areas were cut by the province including:
- Support for de-streaming: in TDSB this funding was paying for as many as 100 positions, including some middle school guidance counsellors
- Targeted funding to enhance safety and reduce violence in schools
- Air filters and enhanced cleaning to reduce illness in schools
Sadly, there was no additional funding for community use of schools and Learn4Life, which are areas I fear will be negatively affected.
I oppose cuts and will continue to fight for increased funding to support our schools including the important community programming that takes place within our schools. Advocacy to the provincial government is very much needed, and I’ve included ways to take action below.
This week, TDSB received an update on human rights work at the board. This was a difficult discussion, I am hearing growing concerns in particular with anti-Palestinian racism, anti-semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia and growing polarization. I share concerns with how this all affects children. All children deserve to feel safe in their identity at school. It may sound insufficient given the challenges we face, but I am hopeful our diverse and inclusive Toronto-Danforth community will continue to foster safety and inclusion for all children, and I remain committed to championing this as public school trustee.
We also learned this month that the province will be introducing measures to limit mobile device and social media use in schools. I am pleased that the province is stepping up in this area. Each school board will need to determine how it will comply with what the province has set out. Earlier this year I had seconded a motion for TDSB to develop its own policy. I expect that work may need to shift to fit within what the province is now requiring, but I am hopeful that we can work together with the provincial government to advance this important work.
Spring funfairs and graduations are right around the corner, despite the challenges our schools are facing I am looking forward to seeing you all at these celebrations.
Take care,
Sara Ehrhardt
TDSB Trustee, Toronto-Danforth
Honouring Elder Pauline Shirt
Sending love to all who mourn the passing of Elder Pauline Shirt. For those who did not have the opportunity to come to know Grandma Pauline, Joanne Lavoie put together a beautiful article in her honour.
I wish to thank the Kapapamahchakwew school community for holding a sacred fire throughout last week, allowing our broader community to learn and reflect on Grandma Pauline’s life and legacy alongside the school.
Upcoming TDSB Consultation on Program Change in Toronto-Danforth
Virtual Public Meeting May 23 – French Immersion
TDSB is holding a virtual public meeting to discuss a new French Immersion Program at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute. Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute will be opening a new French Immersion Secondary program beginning in September 2025 to relieve accommodation pressures at Riverdale Collegiate Institute and improve equity of access.
The following schools will experience a secondary French pathway change as a result: Chester ES, Dundas Jr PS, Wilkinson Jr PS, Westwood MS, Duke of Connaught Jr & Sr PS, Queen Alexandra Sr PS, and Earl Grey Sr PS.
Attendees will be able to provide feedback and ask questions at the public meeting.
Below are the meeting details:
Virtual Public Meeting – Danforth CTI Secondary French Immersion Program
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual Public Meeting - Zoom
For questions about the registration process, accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact Zdenka Sucevic at Zdenka.Sucevic@tdsb.on.ca or by phone 416-394-3958 by May 16, 2024.
Board News
Upcoming Motions: In June trustees will be considering two motions that I advanced at board, I would like to thank the many members of our community who have reached out with concerns in these areas leading to these motions:
Pape School: Thank you to everyone who attended the public meeting TDSB held May 2 around Pape Avenue School and the Ontario Line. This meeting provided information and outlined a process for considering school relocation if needed. There are still many questions unanswered, and I appreciate that everyone is continuing to ask questions and share views. TDSB has put information up including a Frequently Asked Questions document (go to "Other Reviews" and select "2024 - Pape Avenue JPS - Metrolinx Construction of the Ontario Line"). A special thank you to the Pape Council for all their work in advocating for school community safety during Ontario Line construction.
Budget Advocacy
A thank you to everyone who has been writing letters and calling the province!
Fund Our Schools is an initiative that has come together to advocate for school funding I would encourage you to sign up and take action.
Progress Toronto has a petition and several upcoming events to knock on doors across the city to help residents urge Premier Doug Ford and Conservative MPPs to fully fund public education. You can join the campaign here.
