Chair’s Statement related to Ontario Announcement, Nov. 26
On November 26, the Ontario Government released the following announcement:
Alex Johnstone, Chair of the Board, issued the following statement:
“Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board welcomes the additional funding from the Ministry of Education as they consider Hamilton a high priority region. Trustees have advocated for more resources as the pandemic continues to strain school board operations.
Our share of the funding will continue to support keeping our schools safe.
We hope to learn soon our portion of the additional $13.6 million being allocated to Hamilton, Halton, Waterloo, and Durham regions. In addition, we will be the recipient of funds due to being in the red level of the pandemic to support any emerging issues. In addition, we will be the recipient of funds due to being in the red level of the pandemic to support any emerging issues.
The enrolment funding stabilization support will mean that the decrease in grants, as a result of enrolment decrease, will be eliminated and we are recalculating what that means for HWDSB.
Recently, Trustees reaffirmed its commitment to use up to $9 million of our reserve funds to reduce in-person Kindergarten and grades 4-8 classes to maintain the one-metre distancing, with a focus on supporting High Priority Schools.
Trustees will continue to be strong and effective advocates for Hamilton’s students.”
Updated on Thursday, November 26, 2020.