HWDSB Trustees Call for Education Supports in Letter to Government Officials
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s Board of Trustees has penned a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, and Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
The letter, which was sent by Chair Dawn Danko on behalf of the Board, thanks leaders and their governments for their respective COVID-19 responses. It also provides recommendations for consideration that will benefit the HWDSB community. The message calls for additional support for marginalized families, “pandemic payment” for education workers currently providing in-person support, timely decisions regarding future school closures, and more.
Read the full letter below:
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Premier Ford and Mayor Eisenberger,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), I wish to share thanks for recent supports and provide recommendations for consideration that will benefit our students, families, and education workers. It is worth noting our appreciation to all levels of government, and your respective medical health teams, for the collective response you have shown during this global pandemic.
As you know, the impact of COVID-19, now at the height of the second wave, is proving to be even more challenging for families, our schools and the economy.
Throughout the pandemic we have seen a spotlight shine brighter on marginalized populations who continue to be disadvantaged as a result of inequities that systemically leave them behind. Families in Hamilton are no different than those across the country who experience social hardships, barriers and injustices.
Additional barriers are faced by single‐parent families, and by mothers from a gender perspective. Many women experience an increased burden during this pandemic as they balance childcare and work. They are forced to make decisions to take unpaid leaves as the primary caregiver in the home. We ask all levels of government to consider further supports for marginalized families.
HWDSB Trustees appreciate the financial supports provided by the Government of Canada for families who are struggling between earning an income and supporting children at home with remote learning. The financial supports include the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and access to sick pay for non‐unionized workers. We strongly advocate for these supports to continue.
Education has proven to be an important pillar and source of stability in our community. Working families rely on schools to deliver quality education and supports for their children while parents, guardians and caregivers actively contribute to the workforce and the local economy. HWDSB Trustees truly appreciate that education workers are being prioritized for Phase 2 of the COVID‐19 vaccination deployment to enhance safety for staff and students.
Since January 4, 2021, most HWDSB students have been learning remotely. However, some students receiving special education services are attending in-person at a physical school and our dedicated staff are there with them. Educational assistants and teachers are providing direct care and in‐person instruction for students who are not able to follow COVID‐19 health and safety protocols, such as wearing masks or physically distancing.
HWDSB Trustees request that the Ontario Government administer an additional “pandemic” payment specifically to education workers providing in‐person support and instruction in recognition of the elevated risk to staff performing the essential work of supporting students with significant special needs during the lockdown and remote period.
Finally, students, families and staff require certainty with school routines to alleviate the anxiety of uncertain times. Trustees advocate for clear and timely decisions related to the model of learning for Hamilton schools beyond February 10, 2021. Should there be a change, swift communication of this learning model must be done in order to build confidence for our families and help school boards and staff prepare.
From distance learning last spring to a remote learning extension in Ontario’s second lockdown, students, staff and families have shown tremendous resilience during this pandemic. We seek to work collaboratively with all levels of government to continue to provide quality education and supports. The recognition and support we give to the important roles in the education sector will make a difference in the overall recovery efforts of this COVID‐19 crisis.
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko
Chair of Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Cc:
The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education
Donna Skelly, Member of Provincial Parliament, Flamborough—Glanbrook
Andrea Horwath, Member of Provincial Parliament, Hamilton Centre
Paul Miller, Member of Provincial Parliament, Hamilton East-Stoney Creek
Sandy Shaw, Member of Provincial Parliament, Hamilton West—Ancaster-Dundas
Monique Taylor, Member of Provincial Parliament, Hamilton Mountain
City of Hamilton Council
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)
Hamilton‐Wentworth District School Board Trustees
Updated on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.