TORONTO — Mike Schreiner released the following statement regarding the lack of a plan for safe schools:
“When it comes to schools, the Government’s complete lack of urgency is appalling. And it’s unacceptable.
The clock is ticking. There’s only two months left before September and let’s not forget about the many 11-month schools that will start classes in August.
So where’s the plan for safe schools?
Students, parents and educators have already suffered so much. They need to be assured that there will be in-person learning.
But instead of taking the steps to ensure schools are safe for the fall, the Premier and the Minister of Education are pushing a hybrid learning model that no one wants.
Last summer, the Premier sat on funds, failed to make the necessary investments to make schools safer and instead opted for a campaign tour around the province. We can’t afford the same mistakes.
I’m calling on the Premier to release a plan for safe schools that includes:
- Investments to improve ventilation
- Capping class sizes at 15
- More and higher quality PPE
- Robust rapid testing
- Ensuring all teachers and eligible students are fully vaccinated by September
The government needs to stop taking shortcuts on the well-being and mental health of kids and needs to announce a plan for getting children safely back in schools. Immediately.”