The Near North District School Board has confirmed that provincial funding cuts will affect local schools.
The Progressive Conservative government has announced $25 million will be axed from specialized programs. That adds up to $307,000 less for area students.
These funding cuts are being implemented for the existing school year and may impact existing programs.
In a statement issued by the school board, it said senior administration will be “carefully reviewing and analyzing the information provided by the Ministry of Education” to figure out what impact the cuts will have.
The areas and programs that are affected are Indigenous Focused Collaborative Inquiry, Innovation and Learning Fund, Re-Engagement 12 and 12+ Initiative, Speak Up Grants, Ensuring Equitable Access to Postsecondary Education, Teaching Learning and Leadership Program, Physical Activity for Secondary School (PASS) Grants, Daily Physical Activity Funding for Elementary Schools, Student Success Leaders Supporting Racialized Students, Tutors in the Classroom, and Proposals for Experiential Learning for Adults.
In that same statement, NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin said, “The Board of Trustees understands that the current government needs to work to reduce the existing substantial deficit. We are disappointed with the degree of consultation with those in the field of education prior to making such cuts. The announced funding reductions will impact the programs meant to provide support and assistance to some of our most vulnerable students. Further, the decision to make funding reductions for the current school year, already well underway, could put the NNDSB in some challenging situations. I am grateful for the staff’s keen attention to their planning always putting student achievement and student and staff well-being at the forefront of all decisions while utilizing strong planning practices.”PC
