Mandating masks in schools is necessary, and Edmonton Public Schools had been preparing to announce policy for our own students today.
However, it masks the larger problem. #abed /1
However, it masks the larger problem. #abed /1
We should not be relying only on masks to keep our students and staff safe. The province is relying on masks because they have decided not to re-open schools with any funding for smaller class sizes or physical distancing in classrooms. /2
#EPSB funding this year is less than our 2018-2019 funding. We have 6,000 additional students. We’ve been asked to do more with less and we've received no additional funds to assist with additional staff or space for COVID. I believe this is reckless. /3
Our board will be asking the UCP government to invest the hundreds of millions of dollars required for a safe school re-opening, which would allow for reduced class sizes and some measure of physical distancing in classrooms. /4
Investing in a safe re-opening is possible. The government of Ontario has invested hundreds of millions in their re-entry plan which allows boards to provide real health measures for staff and families. They are not relying on masks alone. #abed /5
Edmonton Public Schools has requested $30 million to strengthen our current re-entry strategy, which will be released today. The work done on this strategy and the options it provides is a testament to our staff. We are continuing to hope for more provincial support. /6
