A thread on current #onted school funding needs. Here we go.

Our full submission is at this link, but what follows is a high level overview: https://www.opsba.org/Shared%20Documents/Advocacy%20and%20Action/Documents/OPSBA%202021-22%20GSN%20Submission.pdf /1

Many boards still continue to face funding pressures that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, and are anxious for the release of the second half of federal funding as soon as possible to deal with ongoing expenses. /2

Communities and school boards have their own local contexts that must be considered to maximize student outcomes. Funding flexibility is key when trying to ensure that all students are given every opportunity to succeed. /3

School boards will soon begin making decisions for the next year, which may include both in school and remote learning. School boards need to continue to be part of the discussion about return to school planning. /4

Although there've been funding announcements throughout the year, many boards have (as @ONeducation directed) used reserve funds for pandemic-related expenses. These boards are seeking reimbursement of all reserve funds used - these were earmarked for specific future projects. /5

Additional pandemic costs incurred by boards include hiring of additional staff, digital devices for students and staff, HVAC equipment, increased energy cost, PPE and other teacher learning supports, cleaning supplies, student transportation, and support for online learning. /6

More to come tomorrow! /7

Supporting and strengthening Indigenous Education is a priority for First Nations and @OPSBA, and it must continue to be for governments across the country. /8

Key needs here: improved funding for dedicated Indigenous language instruction, secondary course program enhancements, and supporting the promotion and development of First Nation teachers into leadership positions. /9

Advancing reconciliation in support of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a major focus of our Indigenous Trustees’ Council and one of our main priorities. /10

Related to Indigenous education is the urgent need for a strong focus on anti-racism activities and initiatives. Given long-standing systemic racism and bias that exists in society, the time for collective and coordinated strategic action is overdue. /11

Our members want a focused strategy that specifically addresses racism towards Black and Indigenous Ontarians. /12

We have 4 specific recommendations here:
-Funding for research & collection of identity-based data on educational outcomes, & effective practices, strategies, & approaches.
-Providing ongoing PD opportunities along with job-embedded approaches, to support these initiatives. /13

-Seeking support for our efforts to increase the representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) running for Trustee or OPSBA positions.
-That the Ministry of Education establish a working group/committee dedicated to this work. /14