The MPP for Perth-Wellington has written an open letter to parents about back-to-school.
With the headline "Planning for a Safe September," Randy Pettapiece outlined some of the information the government has used to formulate the back-to-school plan.
That includes consultation with parents, teachers, school boards and Ontario public health officials.
The letter also outlines the money being put forward to accommodate students including $60 million for masks, $75 million to hire additional custodians and to buy cleaning supplies, along with money for additional teaching staff and health workers to support school boards.
Pettapiece said health and safety has been a top priority and that health officials have told the government that social interaction is important. But there will also be firm rules in place including mandatory masks in school settings, physical distancing in adapted environments and infection control measures in all facilities.
But not everyone is on board with the plan.
Teachers' unions and education groups have said the plan doesn't have enough funding to guarantee what the government is outlining and smaller class sizes are needed.
The full letter can be read below.
Planning for a Safe September An Open Letter to Parents from Randy Pettapiece, MPP Perth-Wellington Parents are rightly asking: Is this the time for kids to go back to school, and can it be done safely? In most cases, the answer is “yes” — with the right plan. In consultation with parents, teachers, school boards and Ontario’s top public health experts, the provincial government has been working very hard to develop that plan. Health and safety have always been the priority. Nothing matters more. That is why we have relied so heavily on the advice of our public health experts. That is also why we are making the investments we need to get it right.
Is it safe for my child to go back to school? Again, health and safety matter most. Pediatric and public health experts also tell us that children and teens benefit from social interaction with their peers. Parents know that, too. Nearly $500 million in additional supports will be available to enhance physical distancing. Boards can access available community spaces and hire more teachers. An additional $50 million will improve ventilation and air quality.
Ontario’s plan to reopen schools includes over $300 million for resources, staffing and cleaning. This includes: $60 million for medical and cloth masks for students and staff $30 million for teacher staffing $50 million to hire up to 500 additional nurses to support schools and boards $23 million to provide testing capacity $75 million to hire hundreds of additional custodians and purchase cleaning supplies $40 million to clean school buses and student transportation Overall, it will mean up to $1.4 billion for the 2020-2021 school year.
What will classrooms look like? In rural and small town Ontario, we know that not every classroom has the same needs. We are providing school boards with the flexibility they need to keep kids safe. The province is also taking steps to make sure masks are used as often as possible: Masks mandatory for all staff in school settings Students in Grades 4 to 12 required to wear masks on school property Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 encouraged to use masks $20 million for students who arrive at school without a mask or unable to afford one Reasonable masking exceptions for those with medical conditions
What about class sizes, social distancing, and shared spaces? Physical distancing is important, along with other strategies including adapted school environments, cohorting, hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning and masking. Ontario’s plan includes considerable infection-control measures for classrooms, washrooms and other shared spaces. Medical experts have told us that in a classroom setting, one metre of physical distancing is sufficient to minimize risk. Evidence from pediatric health professionals indicates that one metre of distancing is just as effective as two metres of distancing in a school setting. For these reasons, elementary class sizes will remain the same in most cases. However, where school boards cannot maintain physical distancing of one metre, they can apply for additional funding for additional staffing that may be needed to provide this distancing. Cohorting is also important. Students will be in cohorts to make contact tracing easier in the event of an outbreak.
What if there is an outbreak? Even the best plan cannot be perfect. Cases of COVID-19 in schools may emerge, and we must be prepared. The Ministry of Education is providing clear steps for schools and health officials in the event of positive cases. Health and education officials will be able to immediately identify, track and curb the spread of COVID-19.
What if I don’t want to send my child back yet? Parents know best. Parents will have the option to enroll their children in remote learning if they feel it isn’t safe to send them back school. Of course we know that many families in our riding still lack reliable high-speed internet. This is a problem in rural areas and we are working hard to fix it with new investments—including in our area. Some 755 rural schools already have modernized broadband, with 338 more in progress.
What is the province’s goal for the future of education? As a grandfather, I want my grandkids to have the best possible education in a setting that is safe. That has always been our goal for every child. It will continue to be. Education Minister Stephen Lecce recently said: “This plan reflects the best medical and scientific advice with a single aim: to keep your child safe.” I could not agree more. To learn more about the province’s back-to-school plans, please visit https://bit.ly/30SUeXw
*** Are you experiencing difficulties with the provincial government? As always, my staff and I are here to help. You can reach me and my staff at 519-272-0660 or by email: randy.pettapiececo@pc.ola.org