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Explore OPSBA updates, media releases, and recent instances of OPSBA spokespeople lending their expert point of view to the news.
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April 19, 2021COVID-19
The coronavirus/COVID-19 situation in Ontario is fluid. In every school board, the health and safety of all students, staff and school communities is the top priority. In September 2020, schools across Ontario reopened. Ontario’s plan to reopen schools provided options for parents – to send their children in-class or to enter online remote learning. Elementary schools (Kindergarten to Grade 8) reopened provincewide, with in-class instruction five days a week. Secondary schools with lower risk reopened with a normal daily schedule, five days a week, while most secondary schools started the school year in an adapted model of part-time attendance with class cohorts of up to 15 students alternating between attending in-person and online. Students from Grades 1 to 12 and school staff are now required to wear masks, although many boards have made masks mandatory for all students from kindergarten to Grade 12. School boards were given some flexibility to tweak class sizes using reserve funds and other health and safety measures in their return-to-school plans. All publicly funded schools in Ontario were closed to in-person learning following the 2020-21 winter break as part of the provincewide shutdown, with elementary students originally scheduled to study virtually until January 11, 2021. However, the return to in-person learning was staggered across the province. As of February 16, all school boards in Ontario once again offered in-person learning, but students are now learning remotely across the province as of April 19, following the one-week break. *The information above is subject to change at any time. Please visit the Ministry of Education website or your local school board website for the latest information. COVID-19 Management Plan for Schools On August 26, the government released the Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools document. This guide was developed in consultation with public health experts, including Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and aims to help schools identify and isolate COVID-19 cases, reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools, and prevent and minimize outbreaks. March 25 Letter to Minister Lecce regarding the vaccination of education workers OPSBA’s February 9 statement on March Break OPSBA’s February 3 statement on the reopening of schools OPSBA’s January 7 statement on the continuation of elementary virtual learning in southern Ontario OPSBA’s December 21 statement regarding the provincial lockdown beginning December 26, 2020 OPSBA’s November 26 statement regarding additional COVID-19 support for school boards OPSBA’s October 28 statement in response to the launch of the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream OPSBA’s August 14 statement regarding the use of reserve funds to address increased costs OPSBA’s July 30 statement regarding the plan to reopen schools OPSBA’s July 16 news release regarding public polling done with Nanos OPSBA’s June 19 statement regarding the plan to reopen schools OPSBA’s Submission to the Ministry of Education regarding Ontario’s Plan to Reopen Schools Ministry of Education Operational Guidance During COVID-19: Child Care Reopening School boards continue to work with and take direction from their local public health units and are sharing information with their board communities with facts and recommendations for reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza. Public health units are advising members of the public to reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory illness. These measures include:- wearing a face mask if in public and unable to properly socially distance, and in most indoor spaces;
- get a yearly influenza vaccination this fall, available from clinics and pharmacies;
- wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze;
- if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm; and
- stay home if you are ill.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act
To assist the education sector, municipalities, and students during the COVID-19 emergency, on April 14, Ontario passed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act in the Ontario Legislative Assembly, amending the Education Act, Planning Act, Development Charges Act, Police Services Act and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act. The changes are as follows: Amending the Education Act will allow school boards with an expiring education development charge (EDC) by-law to use their existing by-law for an additional six months after the end of the COVID-19 outbreak, so they can continue to charge fees on new construction. This change ensures school boards can retain a vital source of revenue that helps support new school projects. This amendment aligns with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s approach to development charges that are expiring during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Education Act is also being amended to provide a fair and consistent, provincewide approach to addressing school suspensions and expulsions. During the closure period and with the physical distancing requirements, it is not feasible for boards to complete investigations and hold expulsion hearings. To guarantee procedural fairness for students, especially where the principal’s investigation may lead to a recommendation for an expulsion hearing, the amendment extends the timeline for principals and boards to carry out investigations and expulsion hearings for these students up to 20 school days after the school closure order ends, and when schools re-open. The amendment will help protect the safety and security of students and staff upon the reopening of schools.Report from the K-12 (Accessibility) Standards Committee Working Group – Planning for Emergencies & Safety
This interim report, released in August 2020, focuses on the impacts on students with disabilities of returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full report Read the letter from the Working Group to Ministers Lecce and ChoAdditional Important Links
Learn at Home – Supplementary resources for elementary and secondary students to practice math and literacy skills and learn at home Ontario Government COVID-19 hub COVID-19 School Screening Tool Operational Guidance: COVID-19 Management in Schools Approach to Reopening Schools for the 2020-21 School Year Ontario Ministry of Health statistics (Updated each day) Ontario’s Enhanced Testing Plan (May 29) with Template Letter for School Board Communities SickKids Hospital’s COVID-19 Recommendations for School Reopening (January 21, 2021) Joint statement from Ontario’s pediatric hospitals on reopening schools Letters from Minister Stephen Lecce to Parents Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisory UNICEF Framework for reopening schools – April 2020 Federal guidance for school bus operations during the COVID-19 pandemic Policy/Program Memorandum 164 – Requirements for Remote Learning Government News Releases April 14, 2021: Canada and Ontario Invest in School Infrastructure to Respond to the Impacts of COVID-19 April 8, 2021: Additional Protections for Schools to Keep Students and Staff Safe February 9, 2021: Ontario Delays March Break in an Effort to Reduce Community Transmission of COVID-19 February 3, 2021: Enhanced Safety Measures in Place as In-Person Learning Resumes Across Ontario February 1, 2021: Ontario Making Additional Investments to Keep Students and Staff Safe January 28, 2021: 280,000 More Ontario Students to Return to Class January 24, 2021: Safety of Schools Remain Priority Number One for Ontario January 12, 2021: Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency to Address COVID-19 Crisis and Save Lives January 7, 2021: Ontario Extends Teacher-Led Online Learning Until January 25 to Keep Students and Staff Safe in Southern Ontario December 22, 2020: Safer at Home Programs Provide Relief to Ontario Families December 21, 2020: Ontario Announces Provincewide Shutdown to Stop Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives November 30, 2020: Ontario Providing Additional Financial Support for Young Learners November 27, 2020: Ontario Providing Additional Funding to Enhance Safety and Protection in Schools November 20, 2020: Ontario Taking Further Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 November 20, 2020: Ontario Extends COVID-19 Orders October 28, 2020: Ontario Launching COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream October 8, 2020: Ontario Hires Health System Leader as Education Health Advisor October 6, 2020: Ontario Releases $35 Million to Hire More Staff, Improve Remote Learning in Targeted Communities October 6, 2020: Ontario Releases $35 Million for Schools in Priority Communities (backgrounder) October 1, 2020: Ontario Revises COVID-19 Screening Guidance for Schools and Child Care September 16, 2020: Ontario Launches New COVID-19 Screening Tool to Help Protect Students and Staff September 14, 2020: Health Preparedness and Rebuilding the Economy Top Priorities in Ontario’s Fall Legislative Agenda September 8, 2020: Ontario Takes Extraordinary Steps to Reopen Schools Safely September 3, 2020: Governments Extend Child Care Funding to Support Working Parents August 26, 2020: Ontario Releases COVID-19 Management Plan for Schools August 26, 2020: Additional Funds Enhance Ontario’s Robust Back-to-School Plan August 13, 2020: Ontario Takes Additional Steps to Better Protect Students and Staff August 7, 2020: Historic Agreement Delivers Over $230 Million for Child Care August 4, 2020: Windsor-Essex Remains in Stage 2 July 31, 2020: COVID Alert Available for Download Beginning Today July 30, 2020: Ontario Releases Plan for Safe Reopening of Schools in September July 30, 2020: Ontario Continues to Gradually and Safely Reopen Child Care for Working Parents July 29, 2020: Ontario Moving Toronto and Peel Region into Stage 3 July 20, 2020: Ontario Moving More Regions in Stage 3 July 13, 2020: Nearly All Business and Public Spaces to Reopen in Stage 3 July 9, 2020: Ontario Extends Emergency Orders July 7, 2020: Ontario Introduces Legislation to Protect Public Health as Economy Reopens June 19, 2020: Ontario Prepares for the Safe Reopening of Schools June 18, 2020: Ontario Makes Major Investment in Mental Health and Technology to Support Students June 15, 2020: More People Can Get Back to Work as Additional Businesses and Services to Reopen This Week June 12, 2020: Ontarians Encouraged to Establish Social Circles June 9, 2020: Ontario Helping Parents Return to Work June 8, 2020: Ontario Permits More Businesses and Services to Reopen in the Coming Days June 3, 2020: Ontario Improving Broadband and Cell Service for Rural Communities May 19, 2020: Health and Safety Top Priority as Schools Remain Closed May 13, 2020: Voluntary Redeployment of Education Workers to Fill Staffing Shortages May 11, 2020: School Boards Encouraged to Celebrate Student Achievement When it is Safe to Do So May 9, 2020: Ontario Enables School Board Employees to Be Voluntarily Redeployed to Congregate Care Settings April 26, 2020: School Closures Extended to Keep Students, Staff and Families Safe April 17, 2020: Ontario Establishes Key Partnerships to Make Home Learning More Accessible April 14, 2020: Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to Continue the Fight Against COVID-19 (Backgrounder) March 31, 2020: Ontario Extends School and Child Care Closures to Fight Spread of COVID-19Share
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March 1, 2021
OPSBA Board of Directors Meeting – February 27, 2021
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting on Zoom on February 27, 2021. The meeting opened with an acknowledgement that participants in the meeting were connecting to the meeting from numerous traditional territories of the Indigenous peoples of Ontario. Education policy and program issues that were discussed in public session at the meeting are summarized below.Labour Relations
Updates were provided on recent developments related to labour relations.Education Funding
B/SB Memos A number of important B and SB memos have been released since the last Board of Directors meeting in September. B & SB memoranda for 2020-21 and prior years can be accessed on the ministry website. COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream: Education Related (CVRIS-EDU) Projects Approvals have started to roll out for the $700 million federal COVID-Related Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS) that was first announced at the end of October 2020. There is an embargo in place on any public announcements and there were more requests than there was available money, so not all requests will have been approved. Further guidance is coming in a ministry memo, and because projects need to be complete by December 31, 2021, boards will want to start their work as quickly as possible. Additional Funding for School Reopening Federal funding was announced in the February 1, 2021 B1 memo entitled, Federal Safe Return to Class Fund and Expanded Targeted Testing in Schools. This was the second half of the federal safe return to class fund and totalled $381 million. The funding is to focus on priorities to support the learning, health and safety of students for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year. The B Memo announcing the funds was supported by an SB Memo, asking for information to inform the collaborative purchasing of equipment to support improved air quality and ventilation in schools as well as technology to support student learning. The breakdown of the funding is as follows: $50 million – to support the acquisition of additional portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and other immediate options to improve air quality and ventilation, including air quality monitors or other retrofits, repairs or upgrades to provide immediate improvements to ventilation and airflow, with an emphasis on poorly ventilated spaces (such as portables and schools with no mechanical ventilation or with inoperable windows). $64.55 million – to support health and safety. The funding can be used to support expense associated with acquiring PPE and critical supplies and equipment (CSE) supplies, including for student transportation, beyond what has been provided through the MGCS supply chain. $5 million – to address transportation related cost pressures related to COVID-19 $10 million – to support school nutrition but through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social services. It is intended that this funding will support remote learners. $62 million – to support summer learning opportunities – details are yet to be released on that. $60 million – to support online learning, and it appears that allocation will be going to TVO/TFO. $80 million – to support devices and connectivity to ensure students can access learning $6.45 million – to support equity initiatives, focused on supports for Black and Indigenous students, students from low socio-economic backgrounds and students with special education needs. Details are yet to come on this funding. $33 million – for future pandemic related needs. $10 million – to support student mental health. No board by board breakdown was provided, but it was communicated that this money was being partly distributed to boards and partly distributed to Kids Help Phone.Indigenous Education
The Association’s Indigenous Trustees’ Council (ITC), has had three meetings since the last OPSBA Board of Directors meeting held in November. On December 3, the ITC met virtually and garnered a large turnout, including Indigenous trustees, trustee observers from member boards, Indigenous student trustees and OPSBA staff. There was a board-by-board report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and issues previously identified, such as broadband connectivity, remote and virtual learning, mental health and funding, continue to be a concern. It was noted that keeping Indigenous students engaged is already a challenge and remote learning makes it more difficult. On January 6, a smaller group consisting of ITC members and OPSBA’s Northern Regional Chair, as well as OPSBA staff, met virtually to discuss issues emerging from the previous ITC meeting, and to provide information and data for the January 21 Northern Regional Meeting, with ITC members being invited to participate. At the Northern Regional Meeting, discussion occurred around connectivity for remote learning access for First Nations students, mental health needs and required support for First Nations, and the impact of the pandemic on many First Nations. OPSBA and ITC representatives met with Northern MPPs by Zoom on February 11 to share Northern Ontario issues and concerns, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous issues. ITC members have also participated in the re-established Ministry of Education “Indigenous curriculum revision” writing sessions, which has up until this past school year been paused. The focus at the Ministry of Education session was on furthering the “Indigenizing” of Grades 1 to 3 curriculum, with an emphasis on consulting traditional knowledge keepers as professional resources. Reciprocal Education Agreements (REAs) Legislation now requires boards to negotiate REAs. Related legislation has now been in effect for a year and the Ministry of Education recently conducted a review of REAs.Legislative Update
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario returned on February 16, 2021. The legislature will sit for the next four weeks before adjourning for a March Break constituency week and is set to run until June 3, 2021. Constituency weeks are also scheduled for April 5 to 8 and May 24 to 27, 2021. Full Legislative Updates are available on the blog. All OPSBA submissions to the government are available on the OPSBA website. It was noted that the Ministry of Education is providing boards with deadline flexibility regarding the approval of 2021-22 School Year Calendars. Recent amendments were made to Ontario Regulation 304 to update the change in March Break for this year only. Boards were also recently sent a memo asking them to update this year’s calendars to reflect the changes made over the course of the year (First Instructional Day, PA Days, March Break etc.). The government introduced Bill 251, Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021 and the Ministry of Education has asked education stakeholders to answer a questionnaire to aid in the development of an anti-human trafficking policy framework for the provincially-funded education sector. OPSBA’s Policy Development Work Team will convene to discuss this and the role school plays in protecting students and supporting survivors. Recent legislation and regulations that OPSBA is following include:- Bill 216, Food Literacy for Students Act, 2020
- Bill 172, Education Statute Law Amendment Act (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
- Bill 246, Safer School Buses Act, 2021
- Ontario Regulation 7/07: Student Trustees
- Ontario Regulation 463/97: Electronic Meetings And Meeting Attendance
- Ontario Regulation 176/10 (Teachers’ Qualifications) and Regulation 298 (Operation of Schools – General)
Virtual Advocacy Days
The Association secured dates throughout February and March for OPSBA’s Executive Council to participate with one provincial party caucus at a time. A representative from the Indigenous Trustees’ Council and provincial student trustee leaders joined the Executive Council. More information can be found on OPSBA’s website.Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at OPSBA
In November 2020, the Board of Directors supported a motion to hire an external third party to conduct an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Audit. The Association has announced that it has hired Turner Consulting Group to conduct the audit.Communications, Government and Public Affairs
An overview of recent media activity and OPSBA’s future advocacy and awareness planning was provided. OPSBA continues to coordinate monthly conference calls with school boards’ communications staff. For more: Media Statements and News Releases OPSBA Media ActivityFuture of Education
The pandemic has magnified a number of provincial issues related to successfully implementing equitable models of virtual learning. In the past, OPSBA has created discussion papers to help advocate and lead the dialogue on key educational issues. OPSBA, through the Education Program Work Team, is now creating a new discussion paper as a follow-up to A Vision for Learning and Teaching in a Digital Age, with feedback currently being received from member boards’ trustees and staff. This paper will help engage the government and education partners in looking proactively beyond the pandemic, to guide a vision and propose a set of actions to respond to the impact of the pandemic on student achievement and well-being.French as a Second Language (FSL)
Work on Phase III of OPSBA’s FSL Labour Market Partnership Project was concluded as of January 31, 2021. The Final Report of the Partnership Project will be made public this spring. Given that labour market partnership funding is mandated for three years, OPSBA has submitted a funding proposal to the Ministry of Education to extend the next steps in the Partnership’s work. There are three additional initiatives currently underway, funded by the federal and provincial government through the Department of Canadian Heritage FSL Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy. There are:- Development of an FSL Teacher Recruitment guide for English Language School Boards
- French Language Assessment Resources
- Supporting Principals to Address Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Qualified FSL Teachers
Children and Youth Mental Health
The Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health met on November 30, 2020, to share organizational updates, explore areas that need collaborative support and to identify any themes that can be addressed or championed collectively. School Mental Health Ontario continues to expand its support and resources provided to school boards.New Grade 9 De-Streamed Mathematics Course Consultation
OPSBA was approached to review and provide feedback regarding the new Grade 9 mathematics course. As per past practice, a non-disclosure agreement was signed. OPSBA requested that school boards identify math experts to assist OPSBA staff in reviewing the high-level overview, including the strands and expectations. Feedback was submitted to the Ministry of Education on February 5, 2021. There is a sense of urgency to receive the new curriculum as quickly as possible in order for school boards to provide the training and support for the mathematics teachers. There are also continuity issues as students move from Grade 8 to Grade 9, complicated by COVID-19, and the recent change to the Grades 1 to 8 mathematics expectations. The transition conversations have become even more important to support student success.Project Compass
OPSBA’s Project Compass is reviewing the Association’s internal governance practices and processes. The Project is being led by 1st Vice-President Michael Barrett and 2nd Vice-President Kathleen Woodcock, and will include opportunities for trustees to provide input which will be used to inform recommendations to be brought to the 2022 Annual General Meeting.Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)
The National Trustees Gathering on Indigenous Education and CSBA Congress will take place virtually in July 2021. Both events will be virtual and are being organized and hosted in collaboration with the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA), and promise to be unique and interactive. The CSBA Board of Directors last met virtually on February 8, 2021. Current key items of national importance include broadband connectivity, anti-racism initiatives, and mental health. The Association is also working to strengthen collaboration with the National School Boards Association in the United States, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, CASSA, and student trustees, including Ontario’s OSTA-AECO.Share
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October 3, 2018
OPSBA Board of Directors Meeting – September 28 and 29, 2018
The OPSBA Board of Directors held a meeting on September 28 and 29, 2018, in Toronto. OPSBA President Cathy Abraham gave an acknowledgement that the meeting was being held on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and the Métis Nation.
Representatives from the Ontario School Trustees Association (OSTA-AECO) joined the Board of Directors on Saturday morning to provide a presentation.
Education policy and program issues that were discussed at the meeting are summarized below.
Legislative and Government Relations
The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, led by Doug Ford, was the winner of the provincial election held on June 7, 2018. Lisa Thompson (MPP Huron-Bruce) was named Minister of Education and Sam Oosterhoff (MPP Niagara West) her Parliamentary Assistant. Nancy Naylor is the new Deputy Minister of Education, replacing the now-retired Bruce Rodrigues. Summer and Fall Sessions The Legislative Assembly of Ontario opened the first session on July 11, 2018, and rose after Tuesday, August 14, 2018. The main pieces of work included Bill 2, Urgent Priorities Act, 2018 and Bill 5, Better Local Government Act, 2018. The House resumed on September 12, for Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark to table the revamped Bill 31, Efficient Local Government Act. Bill 31 was introduced in response to an Ontario Superior Court judge’s determination that Bill 5 violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It invoked Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the notwithstanding clause, to reduce the number of City of Toronto wards and councillors to 25 before the October 22 election. Debate on Bill 31 was no longer required when a three-judge panel on Ontario’s highest court granted a stay on the Bill 5 ruling. Government House Leader Todd Smith said Bill 31 will remain on the order paper, but there is no plan to debate or vote on it. Bill 5 will be back in the Court of Appeal for Ontario in November. The City of Toronto and several private citizens and former council candidates will take part. The nomination period in Toronto opened again on September 20 and 21 to ensure no incumbents or prospective councillors or trustees were left out of the race. The government will sit again until a scheduled Thanksgiving constituency week. Opposition critics New Democratic Party of Ontario: MPP Marit Stiles (Davenport) becomes the party’s new Education Critic. Prior to being elected in the recent provincial election, Ms. Stiles was a trustee with the Toronto District School Board. Liberal Party of Ontario: MPP Kathleen Wynne (Don Valley West). Current Party Standings PC Party of Ontario – 76 Ontario NDP – 40 Ontario Liberal Party – 7 Green Party of Ontario – 1 School Board Governance – Update Four regulations have been updated and filed:Update: There is currently no direction if this work group will be established. OPSBA will continue to monitor for developments.- Regulation 246/18 Member of School Boards – Code of Conduct This regulation requires all school boards to adopt a code of conduct for Trustees by no later than May 15, 2019. In addition, all Trustee codes of conduct must now be made available to the public. If a school board already has a Trustee code of conduct, it must review it by May 15, 2019 and every school board must review its Trustee code of conduct by May 15 every fourth year thereafter. The Ministry had announced the creation of a working group to look at minimum standard to be included in a policy.
- Ontario Regulation 7/07 Student Trustees This regulation allows student trustees to have one or two year terms, staggered terms and moves their election date to the end of February.
- Ontario Regulation 357/06 Honoraria for Board Members This regulation includes the increased base amount for all trustees. It also directs compensation to appointed Section 68 school board trustees. A working group will be established to review the honoraria formula and OPSBA will be a part of that discussion.
- Ontario Regulation 463/97 Electronic Meeting This regulation has a longer implementation date (next term 2022) before it becomes into effect. It will allow a chair or designate to be “physically present for at least half of the meetings of the board for any 12 month period beginning November 15 and may provide that the chair or designate must be physically present for a greater proportion of meetings.” Distance, weather, and health-related issues are also considered.
- Programs and Services – Improving existing ones, exploring better ways to deliver them, combining them where appropriate, and closing out the ones that do not achieve outcomes;
- Increasing the voice of stakeholders in decision-making; and
- Making government spending more transparent, while paying down the provincial debt.
The Managing Transformation report includes an analysis of government spending from 2002/03 to 2017/18, an overview of direct and transfer payment spending in five major sectors including education and recommendations to improve value for money spent and tracking investment results.Bill 36, Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 This bill was introduced on Attorney General Caroline Mulroney on September 27, 2018. Bill 36 would allow private retail stores to be open for business by April 1, 2019. The province will also create “distance buffers” between stores and schools and this is to be determined by regulation. The federal legalization date is October 17, 2018, and this bill is expected to move fairly quickly through the legislative process. OPSBA will review the bill’s contents for educational impacts, including the location of retail stores near schools and where cannabis can be consumed.Finance
Updates were provided on the followings issues related to education funding: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund The $100 million designated for 2018-19 was cancelled as of July 5, 2018. As such, school boards were told not to enter into any further related contracts after July 3, 2018. The Ministry will cover the costs incurred if school boards have entered into contractual agreements for capital works on or before July 3, 2018. School boards with projects that are in the planning and design stage, and have not entered into contractual agreements for capital works on or before July 3, 2018, may choose to proceed with these projects only with their other existing funding allocations. 2018-19 Grants for Student Needs On March 26, 2018, the Ministry of Education released memo B06 – Grants for Student Needs. Highlights are available on the OPSBA website. Benefits Technical Advisory Committee Through the 2017-18 GSN the Ministry announced the establishment of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to discuss a go-forward approach to funding benefits within the GSN. The TAC is reviewing all benefits, including Statutory, Health, Life, and Dental. The TAC includes school business officials and financial experts from the Trustee Associations. OPSBA has designated two Senior Business Officials to represent the association on this technical advisory committee. The committee is meeting throughout the school year.Indigenous Trustees’ Council (ITC)
Chief Elaine Johnston, Chair of OPSBA’s Indigenous Trustees’ Council, provided a report that included updates on the following: Cancellation of the Curriculum Writing Sessions of Four Indigenous Studies Courses Following the government’s cancellation of summer curriculum writing sessions, the ITC has asked OPSBA’s incoming ITC Staff Advisor, Sean Monteith, to draft a letter on its behalf to submit to the Minister asking for clear and definable actions related to the cancellations. Role and Capacity of Indigenous Trustees The ITC Staff Advisor reported on research into the range of the role and capacity of Indigenous Trustees from a provincial perspective. It is clear that the role is wide and varied. Given that the Staff Advisor will be working with his Board (the Keewatin Patricia District School Board) this fall to completely rewrite their policy on Trustees to Represent the Interests of Indigenous Students, it was agreed once that new policy is approved, it would be shared with the ITC.Communications and Media Relations
Updates on recent OPSBA communications issues were provided. There has been some media activity involving OPSBA since the June Board of Directors meeting, which can be found on the OPSBA website. OPSBA sent out four news releases since the previous board meeting: September 26, 2018 – Before you vote – get to know your local trustee candidates June 4, 2018 – Cathy Abraham elected President of OPSBA June 8, 2018 – OPSBA extends congratulations to new PC government July 6, 2018 – New CSBA President and Vice-President Acclaimed OPSBA also released three media statements on Twitter during the summer months: August 22, 2018 – Education Reform Consultation August 14, 2018 – Executive Compensation July 9, 2018 – Cancellation of Truth and Reconciliation Writing Sessions Communications support was also provided for issues and projects including:- The Canadian School Boards Association website and Twitter account
- The 2018 Ontario Provincial Election
- The 2018 OPSBA AGM and Program
- FSL Labour Market Partnership
- 2018 Municipal and School Board Elections
Accessible Education
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) New Policy and Recommendations on Accessible Education On August 29, the OHRC released a new policy and recommendations on accessible education. This policy and recommendations provide the education sector, which includes primary, secondary and post-secondary education providers, the Commission’s advice on how to meet legal obligations under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. The recommendations set out actions that the government, school boards, schools and post-secondary institutions should take that the OHRC says will make the education system inclusive, function effectively and allow students with disabilities to thrive. Of the 29 recommendations, eight are specifically aimed at school boards and private educational providers. The full policy and additional 21 recommendations can be found at http://ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/ohrc-releases-new-policy-and-recommendations-accessible-education. OPSBA staff are seeking feedback from member boards to determine what in the recommendations is currently standard school board practice, what boards require in order to comply and if a response to the OHRC is necessary.Program Policy Update
A summary of Ministry meetings, workgroups and program-related announcements was provided. Information shared included updates on the following: EQAO In September, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released highlights of the provincial-level results from its 2017–2018 Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division (Grades 1–3), Junior Division (Grades 4–6), the Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics and the OSSLT. At the elementary level, math results have continued in a downward trend over a 5-year period. Since 2013 reading results have improved at the elementary level, while writing has declined in Grade 3, with a slight increase at the Grade 6 level. There is no significant difference in the results in elementary mathematics, reading or writing from the 2016-17 or 2015-16 results. The secondary OSSLT and provincial Grade 9 EQAO mathematics assessment did also not see significant changes from the past two years. Health and Physical Education Curriculum The initial announcement by the government to return to the 1998 Health and Physical Education Curriculum led to a response by OPSBA and every OPSBA member board. Other education sector partners were equally engaged in providing very consistent feedback. Student safety, human rights, equity, inclusion, professional development needs and expediting the consultation process were cornerstones of the feedback. OPSBA was clear in asking for a status quo position on the 2015 curriculum for both the elementary and secondary panel. There were no opportunities made available to meet or discuss this issue. Mathematics Curriculum The Ministry of Education has released a teacher’s guide and a parent fact sheet that highlighted the fundamental math concepts and skills in the current curriculum. This does not represent new content. Some of the concepts and skills include working with numbers, recognizing number properties, mastering math facts, developing mental math skills and developing proficiency with operations. The ministry has also requested that school boards focus their numeracy professional activity (PA) day, which is one of three mandatory PA days, on fundamental math skills. To maximize impact, all boards have been asked to schedule this PA day before the Winter Break begins. Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health The steering committee has met to discuss engagement strategies and the necessity to reintroduce the Ontario Coalition to the new government. The Coalition has sent letters to each of the Ministers of Training Colleges and Universities, Health, Education and Children, Community and Social Services to request a meeting. This year the Coalition has added the student alliance organizations from colleges and universities to strengthen the student voice from elementary through to post-secondary settings. OACAS Public Engagement, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Strategic Council In our continuing partnership discussions with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aids Societies (OACAS), OPSBA has been asked to join the OACAS Public Engagement, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Strategic Council. OACAS is continuing with its annual Dress Purple Day Campaign to raise awareness about the rights of children and youth to safety and well-being, and the responsibility of adults and community services to help children, youth, and families who need support. This year OACAS has expanded the available resources to include middle and high school students. The prevention resources are evidence based and include lesson plans based on reasons for getting help, healthy and unhealthy relationships, self-esteem, and networks of support. Resources can be accessed here. Update on 2018 Municipal and School Board Elections Campaign from Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) OESC, on behalf of Ontario’s four school board/trustee associations, has partnered with the Ministry of Education to develop a series of resources to support trustee candidates and communities in the upcoming Municipal and School Board Elections. In July 2018, OESC was directed by the ministry to pause work on these projects while the new government evaluated its priorities and resources. In August, OESC received the ministry’s approval to carry on with pre-election resources. An update on each resource: Centralized School Board Elections Website The hub for school board election information and trustee candidate information elections.ontarioschooltrustees.org has been revitalized for 2018.The site features profiles of trustee candidates running in all four school systems across the province. Candidate listings are now online and trustee candidates are welcome to submit their bios and photos for posting to trusteecandidateinfo@oesc-cseo.org. Your Guide to Hosting a School Board Trustee All Candidates Meeting This resource is a guide for trustees, school boards and communities to encourage the organization of All Candidates Meetings in advance of the October 2018 Municipal & School Board Elections. Public Education Resources OESC has created a series of posters and newspaper ads to encourage greater interest in the upcoming elections and promote the role of trustee. The resources have three themes: 1) to encourage individuals to run for trustee office; 2) to promote All Candidates Meetings and 3) to promote the importance of voting in Municipal and School Board Elections. Making a Difference for Kids: Running for Election as a School Board Trustee This guidebook provides a user friendly overview of Ontario’s education system, school boards and the role of trustees.Share
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October 1, 2020
OPSBA Board of Directors Meeting – September 25 and 26, 2020
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting using the Zoom platform on September 25-26, 2020. Trustee Lucille Kyle, OPSBA’s Alternate First Nations Director, gave an acknowledgement that the meeting was being held on the traditional territory of the Indigenous peoples of Ontario. On the evening of September 25, Ontario’s Chief Coroner and Coordinator of the Provincial Pandemic Response Dr. Dirk Huyer virtually attended the meeting to give an update on reopening schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He was joined by Dr. Jessica Hopkins, Deputy Chief, Health Protection, Medical and System Support at Public Health Ontario. Education policy and program issues that were discussed in public session at the meeting are summarized below.COVID-19 Pandemic
School boards across the province have been providing students with both in-class and remote learning options throughout September, although the model of delivery and start date has varied from board to board. The province is now posting information on COVID outbreaks at schools and child-care centres. The website shows the number of confirmed student and staff cases, as well a breakdown by individual school and daycare. It is expected to be updated every weekday. The information is similar to what was done for long term care facilities. OPSBA’s latest COVID-19 updatesCommunications, Government and Public Affairs
Throughout the summer months, government announcements and activity in the education sector were, as expected, significant. OPSBA and member boards continued to have regular correspondence with the government at multiple levels. Our advocacy efforts were focused largely on school reopening plans and funding. OPSBA’s presence in both social media and traditional media was several times greater than the same period of time last year – further details are listed here below. For more, please see the links below: Media Statements and News Releases OPSBA Media ActivityLegislative Update
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario reconvened on September 14, and for now, will follow the traditional sitting schedule of meeting Mondays to Thursdays until the winter recess on December 10, including two constituency breaks in October and November. The House met over the summer months in June and July on a modified schedule, mainly to pass pandemic-related legislation. The fall agenda will include a full-scale budget by November 15 and rent-freeze legislation. Current Party Standings – 124 seats:- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario – 72
- New Democratic Party of Ontario – 40
- Ontario Liberal Party – 8
- Green Party of Ontario – 1
- Independent – 3
Indigenous Education
On August 21, OPSBA’s Indigenous Trustees’ Council (ITC) met, as it does each August prior to the start-up of school. Not surprisingly, this year’s meeting occurred virtually via Zoom, as a result of the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. ITC members representing eight OPSBA member boards provided feedback from their respective districts and communities. Discussion included:- The impact of the pandemic on Indigenous communities, and in particular, students and their families
- The importance of school board engagement with their local First Nation partners
- Education Service Agreements (ESAs) and the Reciprocal Education Approach (REA)
Education Funding
COVID-19 Because of the nature of the evolving conversations and ensuing changing direction from the Ministries of Education and Health, school boards endured a significant time crunch at the end of August and beginning of September. To some extent, this is still being felt. This crunch impacted all areas of school board operations – finance, facilities, transportation, technology, human resources in terms of workplace accommodations (placement), hiring, classroom organizations, secondary timetabling, etc. In terms of finance, information came late and continued to roll out. The Grants for Student Needs (GSNs) were released quite late relative to the recent past, coming in June. Legislative changes related to budgets, including the ability to use up to 2% of operating funding from reserves for COVID-19-related expenses, arrived in the middle of August, and additional funding announcements, including significant contributions from the federal government, came at the end of August. School boards were directed to not include the second half of the $760 million in federal funding in their budget submissions. It was MOVED to: Direct OPSBA to advocate to the Minister of Education to create an immediate mechanism to address the deficiencies and inequities in funding across school boards to fund safe school reopening. CARRIED Student Transportation School bus driver shortages are a concern around the province. The Ministry of Education is supporting driver retention through the pilot program in 2020-2021. The Ministry recently coordinated a survey of transportation consortia to gain an understanding of how the additional $20 million in transportation funding was spent. This money was intended to support the incremental cost of transportation, whether it be for new routes established to accommodate secondary cohorting, reducing the number of riders on buses to increase physical distancing, increased staff cost for enhanced cleaning, etc. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The ministry has started weekly PPE teleconferences with School Business Officials from across the province, with September 25 being the first. Main topics of conversation of the first meeting were logistics of delivery locations and timing and specific concerns on types of PPE (i.e. recalled hand sanitizer), and the method of return shipping these products. B/SB Memos A number of B and SB memos have been released since the last Board of Directors meeting in May. B & SB memoranda for 2020 and prior years can is available on the Ministry of Education’s finance website.French as a Second Language (FSL)
Phase III of the FSL Labour Market Partnership Project has continued and all partners are engaged in virtual meetings to support and facilitate action plans related to the recommendations and next steps from the Phase II report. There continues to be significant interest and motivation to support the ongoing efforts linked to the supply/demand issue of FSL teachers. Phase III ends on January 31, 2021, and the full report will be available by March 2021. OPSBA has been recognized as a leader in developing workable solutions for addressing the labour market issue related to FSL teacher recruitment, hiring and retention. As a result, the Association signed an agreement with the Province of Ontario and the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage for three initiatives to support recruitment, hiring and retention of FSL teachers. The funding is for one year with the opportunity to apply for year 2 and 3 funding, once all deliverables from year 1 are met. Each of the approved initiatives stem directly from the research findings of the Labour Market Partnership Project. As such, it allows for the continuation of this important work once the three-year labour market partnership project is concluded. The initiatives that were approved are key drivers to assist in improving the supply and demand of French language proficient teachers. The three initiatives are:- Development of an FSL Teacher Recruitment Guide for English Language School Boards;
- French Language Assessment Resources;
- Supporting Principals to Address Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Qualified FSL Teachers
Children and Youth Mental Health
School Mental Health Ontario continues to expand its support to school boards, and resources can be found on their website. The Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health continues to share resources and materials to help to support students, families and staff. The Summit for Children and Youth Mental Health has been deferred to 2022.OPSBA-Wilfrid Laurier University Joint Research Project
In early May, OPSBA staff partnered with graduate students from Wilfrid Laurier University to conduct research into the actions taken by school boards in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research sought to understand and document boards’ successes and challenges in the deployment of remote learning. During this period, researchers also conducted regional interviews with 11 school trustees representing OPSBA’s five regions, the Indigenous Trustees’ Council and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO). These interviews were designed to garner a more in-depth understanding of the personalized experience at the forefront of remote learning. All but one board reported difficulty adapting to remote learning in the wake of COVID-19 school closures with nearly 80% calling the transition “challenging” and another one in six calling it “extremely challenging.” Facilitating synchronous learning, supporting students with special education needs and student mental health were the biggest challenges with 50 to 70% of boards considering these to be their most difficult tasks in a remote environment. Boards were very successful in providing devices to students who needed them but internet access proved more of a challenge for rural and remote communities in particular. In half of the responding cases, 75% of students or fewer were able to be reached at the onset of the school closures, with the primary reason given being lack of devices or reliable internet at home. Communication with students, parents and board staff was successful likely because it largely expanded upon existing channels and practices. Additional support for students with special education needs, students with limited internet access and student mental health are needed. Recommendations from the report include:- Invest in infrastructure to ensure that all students have equal access to online
- Maintain commitment to providing devices to families and educators that require
- Ensure that students with unique needs are not left
- Ensure that students’ and educators’ mental health is considered and
- Provide further Professional Development days to ensure educators are well-versed in online learning
Canadian School Boards’ Association
The CSBA continues to meet remotely on a monthly basis, with the AGM now taking place October 2. OPSBA Past President Laurie French is running for a third term as CSBA President. Discussions regarding the format for the 2021 CSBA Congress continue.Share
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May 10, 2022
OPSBA Board of Directors Meeting – April 29 and 30, 2022
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Board of Directors held its first in-person meeting since February 2020 on April 29 and 30, 2022, in downtown Toronto. A number of Board of Directors members participated in the meeting virtually. President Cathy Abraham provided a traditional territory acknowledgement and noted that members were joining from traditional lands across Ontario. The Board of Directors also heard from Patricia DeGuire, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), on Friday evening. Education policy and program issues that were discussed in public session at the meeting are summarized below.2022 OPSBA Annual General Meeting and Program
The 2022 Annual General Meeting, scheduled for June 9 to 11 in Ottawa, will be OPSBA’s first in-person professional development and networking opportunity for trustees and school board staff leaders since January 2020. The full agenda and registration are now available on the OPSBA website! This event is an opportunity for trustees to re-connect and network, while learning from outstanding keynotes like pollster Nik Nanos and comedian “Brittlestar” Stewart Reynolds and informative workshops and panel discussions. On March 21, a Call for Nominations for Elected Positions 2022 was sent to Board of Directors members and alternates and all trustees in . The nomination deadline is May 10, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. A direct link to this information is posted on the OPSBA homepage. Fillable nomination forms and a list of nominations received are posted on the AGM and Program page.Education Funding
A summary of important B and SB memos that have been released since the last Board of Directors meeting in February was provided. B & SB memoranda for 2021-22 and prior years can be accessed on the ministry website. 2022-23 Provincial Budget Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy delivered the 2022-23 Ontario Budget: Ontario’s Plan to Build on April 28. The government will not have enough time to pass the budget motion or its corresponding legislation as it rose shortly after introducing the budget bill. The proposed budget is essentially the government’s election platform. Education-related items were identified in the earlier release of the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) and 2022-23 Technical Paper. Total government spending for 2022-23 is projected to be $198.6 billion – up from $187.1 billion in 2021-22. Education sector funding is projected to be $32.4 billion, up from $29.5 billion last year. This funding will largely flow through the Grants for Student Needs (GSN), which were announced in February (click for OPSBA’s review). By 2024-25, education sector expenses are projected to increase to $35.1 billion. This represents 5.9% average annual growth over that period. The Budget projects a deficit of $19.9 billion for 2022-23, falling to $12.3 billion in 2023-24, and $7.6 billion in 2024-25. Deficits are projected until 2027-28. OPSBA Review of the 2022-23 Provincial Budget OPSBA’s Submission to the 2022-23 GSN Consultation 2022-23 Capital Priorities Program On April 21, the Minister of Education announced funding to support school and child care projects as part of the 2022-2023 Capital Priorities Program. This latest round of approved projects was introduced in the February 4, 2022, memo that asked boards to submit up to five project proposals, with at least two being new project proposals. The news release, Ontario Building New Schools and Launching Rapid Build Pilot, also lists the five schools that will pilot using modular construction for their projects. Two OPSBA member boards were selected: the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the Upper Grand District School Board. OPSBA President Cathy Abraham responded to the modular announcement in the Toronto Star.Communications, Government and Public Affairs
An overview of recent media activity and OPSBA’s past, current and future advocacy and awareness planning was provided. OPSBA Municipal and School Board Election Social Media Campaign With municipal and school board trustee nominations opening on May 2, OPSBA created a series of social media posts to generate awareness of the nomination date and process, and to encourage more diverse candidates to seek election. This campaign was designed to complement the work of OESC with posts appearing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from April 28 to May 2, 2022. OPSBA encouraged all trustees and education partners to follow and share the posts with their contacts. To see the visuals and posts, please visit our social media accounts. I ❤️ Public Education Campaign In an effort to showcase the diversity of voices in public schools across the province, OPSBA is asking participants to submit a short clip (three to five seconds) holding a small sign with the phrase/image: “I ❤️ Public Education!” Participants can also write this in their “first language” (which may or may not be English) or any non-English language typically spoken at home. The submissions will be used to create a two to three minute video showing the full range of diversity of ages, faces, voices, and places that make up our provincial public schools, and their collective love of learning and the shared values of public education. Information will be posted at www.opsba.org shortly.Provincial Election
As we approach the provincial election on June 2, OPSBA is seeking to raise awareness of our priorities among candidates and voters by sharing a variety of materials to help our members raise the profile and awareness of our priorities in their communities across the province. OPSBA will once again be supporting those who choose to participate in our “Education Day” initiative on May 18 during the election. Association has been in touch with all parties throughout their platform development process, and has posted a comparison of each party’s platform with our OPSBA strategic priorities, and will also be sharing each party’s response to an OPSBA education priorities questionnaire. Media Statements and News Releases OPSBA Media ActivityIndigenous Education
In a verbal report, it was noted that Elaine Johnston, First Nations Director and Chair of the Indigenous Trustees’ Council of OPSBA, had recently attended and presented at the National School Boards Association conference in San Diego, California, on Indigenous Education successes and challenges with colleagues from across Canada. Canadian school boards were congratulated by American colleagues for their progressive work on Indigenous Education issues.Legislative Update
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario had a constituency week that aligned with the Easter long weekend and resumed on Thursday, April 28, 2022, to introduce the budget bill (see above). In accordance with the Election Act, writs are dated on a Wednesday and elections are the fifth Thursday after the date of the writ. This means the writ will be drawn up on Wednesday, May 4, and the election will occur on Thursday, June 2, 2022. Full Legislative Updates are available on the blog. All OPSBA submissions to the government are available on the OPSBA website. Current Party Standings – 124 seats:- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario – 67
- New Democratic Party of Ontario – 39
- Ontario Liberal Party – 7
- Green Party of Ontario – 1
- New Blue Party of Ontario – 1
- Ontario Party – 1
- Independent – 5
- Vacant – 3 (Don Valley East, Ajax, Elgin—Middlesex—London)
Municipal and School Board Elections 2022
The nomination period is now open. The Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC), on behalf of the four school board/trustee associations (including OPSBA), has completed the first set of resources to support trustee candidates and communities in the upcoming October 24, 2022, Municipal and School Board Elections. These are posted on the school board elections website and include:- Making a Difference: Running for Election as a School Board Trustee – a PDF guide
- Printable public awareness posters to encourage nominations and get out the vote
- 2022 Voters’ guide
- 2022 Candidates guide
- 2022 Guide for third party advertisers
- May 2, 2022 – Nomination and Campaign Period Begins
- August 19, 2022 – Nomination Day (Last Day to be nominated)
- August 19, 2022 – Final Day for Withdrawal of Candidacy
- October 24, 2022 – Voting Day
- November 15, 2022 – School Board Term Begins
Project Compass
Work on the actions approved at the February Board of Directors meeting continues. To date, 31.3% of the actions are complete (12.5); and 62.5% of the actions are expected to be complete by the end of June (25). The connection between Project Compass and equity work continues to be considered in all actions. The OPSBA Roles and Responsibilities Guide has been updated to reflect feedback from Project Compass including clarification of: the role of the Board of Directors in Labour Relations, Executive Council as the Labour Relations Steering Committee, matters concerning Core Issue Work Groups, addition of information about Regional Council roles, and details about capacity building and succession planning. Information on Project Compass, including the approved actions, is accessible to all trustees in the Members’ Area.Labour Relations
Updates were provided in private session on recent developments related to labour relations. OPSBA held a successful virtual Education Labour Relations & Human Resources Symposium on April 28, 2022, with more than 170 attendees.Release of Final Recommendations Report regarding a Proposed K-12 Education Standard for Accessibility
In early March, the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility released the Final Recommendations Report from the K–12 Education Standards Development Committee (ESDC) regarding the development of a proposed K-12 Education Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The report contains many recommendations on addressing barriers in the public education system. OPSBA has long advocated for school board perspectives to be included in any accessibility-related recommendations for the public education system, and did respond to the ministry’s consultation regarding proposed recommendations in October 2021.Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
An update was provided on work related to the 29 recommendations contained in Turner Consulting’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Audit. Earlier this year, EDI recommendations were reviewed and considered for potential implementation by the OPSBA Executive Council, Program and Policy Work Teams, the Indigenous Trustees’ Council, Project Compass (steering and sub-committees), as well as staff. The Board of Directors endorsed recommendations regarding the Indigenous Trustees’ Council and the establishment of a Black Trustees’ Caucus.Education Program
Ministry Initiatives Committee This committee met on April 7, with discussions on the following: Right to Read Ministry of Education staff shared consultation questions regarding the OHRC’s recommendations for mandatory early reading screening. The ministry invited submissions from education partners regarding the following questions. OPSBA will be submitting a response and is gathering input from school board staff with expertise in reading and trustees on the Association’s Education Program Work Group (EPWG). Modernizing Curriculum The following curricula have been communicated for implementation in September 2022:- Grades 1-8 Science and Technology / Sciences et technologie
- Grade 9 Science / Sciences course, De-streamed
- Grade 10 Math Addendum/Suppléments aux cours de mathématiques de 10e année
- To date, 140,000 students across every school board have participated in EQAO secondary assessments.
- The OSSLT spring administration is from March 23 to May 18, 2022, and individual reports will be available by the end of June 2022.
- Grade 9 assessments are ongoing.
- Primary and Junior assessments will be administered from May 4 to June 24, 2022.
Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)
The 2022 CSBA Congress will be in person in Saskatoon this July, with an online attendance option available for trustees who do not wish to travel. Registration is now open! For more information on any of the above reports, please contact OPSBA at inquiry@opsba.org or your school board’s OPSBA Board of Director member.Share
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March 3, 2022
OPSBA Board of Directors Meeting – February 25 and 26, 2022
Education Finance Elections Federal Issues Indigenous Education Updates Labour Relations OPSBA Events OPSBA News Provincial UpdatesThe Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting on Zoom on February 25 and 26, 2022. President Cathy Abraham provided a traditional territory acknowledgement, noting that “we are all treaty people” and acknowledged that members were joining from traditional lands across Ontario.
The Board of Directors also heard from Warren Hoshizaki, Director of Education at the DSB of Niagara, and Jim Costello, Executive Director of the Public Council of Ontario Directors of Education, regarding diversity in senior school board leadership, and received a presentation from Todd Pottle, Coordinator, and John Procter, Chair, of the Ontario e-Learning Consortium.
Education policy and program issues that were discussed in public session at the meeting are summarized below.
Education Funding
A summary of important B and SB memos that have been released since the last Board of Directors meeting in February was provided. B & SB memoranda for 2021-22 and prior years can be accessed on the ministry website.
2022-23 Grants for Student Needs
The Ministry of Education announced the 2022-23 Grants for Student Needs (GSN) and Priorities and Partnerships (PPF) funding on February 17, 2022. Grant funding is projected to be $26.1 billion, which represents an increase of 2.7% over the prior year. The average per-pupil funding amount is projected to be $13,059, which is an increase of $339 from last year. The technical paper is to be released later in March. For more information, OPSBA has completed its initial review.
OPSBA’s Submission to the 2022-23 GSN Consultation
Communications, Government and Public Affairs
An overview of recent media activity and OPSBA’s past, current and future advocacy and awareness planning was provided.
Media Statements and News Releases
Indigenous Education
The Indigenous Trustees’ Council participated in a meeting with the Ministry of Education on February 24 regarding trustee Code of Conduct. The Council will be looking to provide written commentary to the ministry’s consultation.
Legislative Update
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario resumed on Tuesday, February 22. Recent and current legislation OPSBA is following includes:
- Bill 87, Black Mental Health Day Act, 2022
- Bill 86, Our London Family Act (Working Together to Combat Islamophobia and Hatred), 2022
- Bill 85, Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act (Vaping is not for Kids), 2022
- Bill 84, Fewer Fees, Better Services Act, 2022
Full Legislative Updates are available on the blog. All OPSBA submissions to the government are available on the OPSBA website.
Provincial Budget
The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs conducted pre-budget consultations during the month of January and on two occasions members of OPSBA’s Executive Council were able to address the Committee virtually to share the importance of education funding. OPSBA shared its 2022-23 Education Funding/Grants for Student Needs (GSN) submission with the Standing Committee, which followed our GSN submission to the Ministry of Education in December. The budget is expected to be delivered by the end of April.
2022 Provincial Election
The next provincial election is on or before June 2, 2022. If this date remains, the writ will drop on May 4, 2022. OPSBA has begun to engage with the main political parties on the development of their election platforms to discuss and share education priorities. Meetings have occurred with the NDP, Liberals and Green Party.
Current Party Standings – 124 seats:
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario – 68
- New Democratic Party of Ontario – 40
- Ontario Liberal Party – 7
- Green Party of Ontario – 1
- New Blue Party of Ontario – 1
- Independent – 5
- Vacant – 2
Municipal and School Board Elections 2022
Election Day is October 24, 2022. OPSBA will be working with the Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) on the revision to several resources, including the Candidates’ Guide, posters, Good Governance Guide and the school board elections website.
The Association has been meeting with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education’s Leadership and Governance Branch, the Equity Secretariat, PCODE, OPC, OSTA-AECO, AMCTO, AMO, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, and senior staff and communications officers within our member boards.
The 2022 Trustee Determination and Distribution Guide has been released along with OESC’s distribution and determination tool to school boards. Population of Electoral Group (PEG) reports were to be delivered to boards by February 15, 2022. Municipal-election related information and memos can be found on the OPSBA website: Municipal Elections.
Key Dates: 2022-2026 Municipal and School Board Elections
- May 2, 2022 – Nomination and Campaign Period Begins
- August 19, 2022 – Nomination Day (Last Day to be nominated)
- August 19, 2022 – Final Day for Withdrawal of Candidacy
- October 24, 2022 – Voting Day
- November 15, 2022 – School Board Term Begins
Labour Relations
Updates were provided in private session on recent developments related to labour relations.
OPSBA’s annual Education Labour Relations & Human Resources Symposium is scheduled for April 28, 2022. Event and registration details will be available as of March 2 on the OPSBA website.
Education Program
Ministry Initiatives Committee
This committee met on December 2 and February 10, with discussions related to the following:
- PPM 144, Bullying Prevention and Intervention
- Temporary Teaching Certificates
- Prior Learning Assessment – PPM 132
- Next Steps to Modernize Education Consultation
- Learning Recovery and Renewal
- PPM 81 – Provision of Health Services in Education Settings Consultation
- Cyber Protection Strategy
- Curriculum Review Cycles Consultation
OPSBA staff consulted with the Education Program and Policy Development Work Groups and senior school board staff on ministry-proposed PPM 81 changes before sending a formal submission to the ministry on February 25.
Online Learning – English Public School Boards
The Ministry of Education has informed the sector that it is proceeding with providing direction in the form of a PPM regarding two mandatory online credits, with a very short timeline to meet the course option process for 2022-23. TVO will be assisting with creating courses for this. The e-learning consortia will also be leveraged to support school boards. OPSBA continues to reinforce that school boards are central to the administration and delivery of online courses, adherence to collective agreement language, and that any planning is inclusive of all students including special education, racialized groups and lower income households.
The 2020-21 Grade 9 cohort has been granted one credit due to the amount of remote learning already experienced by these students. Therefore, these students (currently in Grade 10) only need to earn one credit to earn their mandatory requirement on their transcript. Future cohorts will require two credits.
The Ministry has created a preview site for families to view online course content at www.ontariocoursepreview.ca. Additional course development is being discussed and will be prioritized based on criteria that is being determined. TVO is able to develop 12 new courses per year. This is in addition to courses that already exist and have been developed and offered through consortia and school boards.
Transitioning from the COVID-19 School Experience
OPSBA’s Transitioning from the COVID-19 School Experience discussion paper was released in May 2021 to all education partners and posted on the OPSBA website and associated social media platforms. Invitations were sent out to education partners to join in a collaborative discussion using the discussion paper as a springboard for visioning discussions. Five meetings of this partnership table have now occurred, with monthly meetings scheduled for the remainder of this school year.
The OPSBA online survey for parent/guardians and community groups closed on November 30, 2021. More than 8,000 responses were received, and a research report, which is now posted on the OPSBA website, was finalized with input from the education partner discussion table and OPSBA’s Education Program Work Group. This report will be released in conjunction with the Grade 5-12 Provincial Student Survey to be used to inform future discussions and recommendations. The reports have created a roadmap for ways in which school boards can support students and their families in relation to online learning. This data will be combined with other data sources to inform OPSBA’s future of education discussions to ensure recommendations are evidence-based and reflective of multiple perspectives that aim to maximize student engagement, interest, mental health/well-being and achievement.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) – Non-Profit Education Stream
This initiative has been developed and led by OPSBA after being identified as a high-leverage strategy through the FSL Labour Market Partnership. There are many components to this strategy, but a specific goal is to encourage students, (especially core, extended and immersion students), of different lived experiences to consider teaching as a career option, thereby ensuring that future teachers reflect our communities. School boards are now able to provide this SHSM opportunity for their students for September 2022, with the deadline for application already having passed. Presentations were made to school board SHSM leads in January to promote and encourage participation. Canadian Parents for French will also be promoting this opportunity through their website. More information can be obtained through OPSBA at inquiry@opsba.org.
EQAO
An update on assessment-related initiatives and recent changes was provided, including the re-introduction of primary and junior assessments, which have not been in place for two years during the pandemic. EQAO assessments are required under the Education Quality and Accountability Office Act, 1996. For the remainder of the school year, the Ministry of Education is expecting school boards to participate in all EQAO assessments. Boards must notify the EQAO and ministry if they are seeking to be exempt from administering EQAO assessments. Such requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
French as a Second Language (FSL)
OPSBA and its members and partners continue to lead a number of initiatives under the Ministry of Education funded FSL Labour Market Partnership Project, with the goal of helping to build awareness, capacity and momentum among all 60 public and Catholic school boards province-wide for the implementation of promising practices for FSL teacher recruitment and retention.
In addition, OPSBA is leading three pan-Canadian initiatives, that include the development of an FSL Teacher Recruitment Guide for English Language School Boards, a French Language Assessment Toolkit and Resources and an initiative to support school principals in addressing challenges in hiring and retaining FSL teachers. Pilot projects are underway in all three initiatives to implement high potential strategies and approaches in various provinces.
OPSBA-OSTA Liaison Committee
OPSBA and the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association (OSTA-AECO) recently released a new publication – a Student Trustee Handbook, which was produced by the trustee members of the OPSBA-OSTA Liaison Committee and student trustees on the Public Board Council (PBC) of OSTA-AECO. It has been created for use by all school board trustees to understand fully the requirements for the role of student trustees in the governance practices of the board, but also to build appreciation of and identify processes that will fully mobilize the valuable resource student representatives provide. A key goal is to standardize some of the activities in school boards across the province.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Board of Directors members participated in a 90-minute EDI professional development session on Friday night, led by OPSBA’s Associate Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. A work plan was also provided to the Board of Directors, with work broken into five distinct areas:
- Governance, Policy and Operational Change
- Education, Resource Development, and Resource Capacity
- Data Collection, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation
- Recruitment, Employment, Labour Relations and Management
- Engagement, Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy
Project Compass
After 15 months, the 28 trustee members of the four Project Compass sub-committees engaged in a comprehensive review of OPSBA’s Mission, Vision and Values, strategic planning process, Policy development process and governance structures over 44 meetings. Engagement and communication were foundational throughout the process with 147 trustees responding to the Spring Survey and approximately 80 trustees participating in Regional Council and Zoom Focus group meetings.
The Board of Directors endorsed 40 actions that clarify or formalize governance structures, roles and responsibilities, policy development and priority setting processes, succession planning, onboarding, communication, trustee engagement and general awareness of the Association.
The following new policies were developed and will be posted on the OPSBA website in the coming weeks.
- Policy #100, Policy Review, Development and Monitoring Framework
- Policy #150, Strategic Planning, Implementation and Monitoring
More information about Project Compass, including the list of approved actions can be found in the Members’ Area.
Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA)
The 2022 CSBA Congress will go forward in person in Saskatoon this July, with an online attendance option available for trustees who do not wish to travel. Other current focuses for the CSBA include:
- Advancing an anti-racism project awarded to the University of Regina with a goal of providing tools and materials for local boards and associations, including to help increase the diversity of locally elected school boards through PSAs and social media
- Engagement of an Indigenous Lead to advance priorities in Indigenous Education
- An advocacy event with Federal Ministries in Ottawa on May 18
- The creation of a National Table on Education, with an initial meeting on March 4. Invited partners include the Canadian Association of Principals, the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, the Canadian Association of School System Administrators, La Fédération nationale des conseils francophones, and the Assembly of First Nations.
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April 24, 2023
Provincial Update – April 24, 2023
Accessibility Awards Education Finance Education Partner News Education Policy OPSBA Events Provincial Updates Trustee PDThis update includes:
- Legislative Business for Week of April 17
- Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023
- 2023-24 Grants for Student Needs
- OPSBA Submission re: Fourth Improvement Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
- OPSBA’s 2023 AGM and Program Registration
- Upcoming PD sessions for Trustees
- Ombudsman Report – Missing In Inaction: Misty’s Story
- Other News and Information
Legislative Business for Week of April 17
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario resumed this week after its constituency week and will sit for two weeks before the next constituency week in early May. The Liberal Party of Ontario announced details for their leadership vote. Party members will cast their ranked ballots on November 25 and 26, with the results to be announced on December 2. The deadline for candidate registrations is September 5, although there is no date yet for when registrations will open. Candidates will have to pay a $100,000 entry fee plus a $25,000 refundable deposit.
The Minister of Education made several announcements including the introduction of Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act and the release of the 2023-24 Grants for Student Needs.
Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023
This legislation was introduced on April 17, 2023 by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. The bill proposes changes to the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, the Education Act, and the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996. It also suggests minor wording changes to the French version to the preamble of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. The bill will most likely move quickly through the legislative process and OPSBA staff will monitor for any referral to Committee.
Current Status: Second ReadingWith respect to the Education Act, some of the proposed amendments include:
- “set(ting) provincial education priorities on student achievement” and requiring school boards to create multi-year plans to meet those priorities. Parents will need to be consulted on the development of their local school board’s plan twice per year and receive progress reports;
- requiring school board trustees and senior officials to undergo provincially mandated training to make sure they have the “skills and competencies” to deliver on the government’s priorities;
- standardizing performance assessments for directors of education;
- establishing a new “impartial integrity commissioner-led process” for Code of Conduct complaints about school board trustees;
- creating a new, faster process for declaring school board land as surplus; and
- working with municipalities to help implement the province’s subsidized childcare agreement with the federal government.
The Ministry of Education issued several communications about this legislation including a news release and backgrounder, as well as two memos from the Minister and Deputy Minister; one is a high level overview of the legislation and the second is a list of the proposed changes.
To see OPSBA’s initial statement, visit OPSBA statement on The Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act.
OPSBA has an extensive consultation plan to respond to these proposed changes that involves senior staff, the Policy Development and Education Program Work Groups, Executive Council, as well as key stakeholders. It will also refer to any relevant past commentary made by the Association.
The bill was also posted for commentary on the Ontario’s Regulatory Registry with a feedback deadline of May 16, 2023.
2023-2024 Grant For Student Needs (GSN) and Priorities and Partnership Fund
Also on Monday, the Ministry of Education released information about the 2023-24 Grants for Student Needs Funding (GSN) and the Priorities and Partnership Fund. Many supporting memos were issued as well and have been posted at: Education funding, 2023–24
The memos are:
- Memorandum 2023 B03, Better Outcomes for Students (PDF)
- Memorandum 2023 B04, 2023–24 Grants for Student Needs funding (GSN) (PDF)
- Memorandum 2023 B05, 2023–24 Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) (PDF)
- Memorandum 2023: B06, Student transportation — Grants for Student Needs 2023–24 (PDF)
- Memorandum 2023: B07, Capital funding for the 2023–24 school year (PDF)
- The Technical Paper for 2023–24
There was no stand-alone ministry news release but it was referred to in the Bill 98 new release. OPSBA issued a statement on the GSN and to view our submission regarding 2023-24 Education Funding and the Grants for Student Needs, visit 2023-24 OPSBA Education Funding and GSN Submission.
OPSBA provides comments to the Fourth Improvement Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
OPSBA has long been fully committed to supporting and meeting the objectives and requirements of the AODA, with its goal of an accessible Ontario by 2025, as well as the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on accessible education for students with disabilities. To support this commitment, OPSBA requested feedback from member boards and staff leads to inform a submission to the Fourth Improvement Review of the AODA. On Wednesday, April 19, the Association provided its comments to the government and its appointed lead on the review, Rich Donovan.
Registration for OPSBA’s 2023 AGM and Program is now open!
Join us as we celebrate 35 years of OPSBA! Together we will determine priorities and directions for the coming year. From June 8 – 10, 2023, we’ll be at the beautiful Blue Mountain Resort for an event packed with professional development, networking opportunities, and exciting speakers. This year’s AGM will feature the incredibly inspiring Karl Subban and Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell as keynote speakers. Plus, with professional development sessions and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow trustees, you’ll leave with valuable insights and new relationships.
OPSBA’s AGM also includes a welcome reception to kick off the event, and we’ll be concluding with the President’s Dinner on Saturday night. This is your chance to unwind, have fun, and celebrate all the hard work you do as a trustee. To view the agenda and register today, visit the 2023 OPSBA Annual General Meeting and Program.
Ontario Public Student Trustee Leadership Scholarship
Nominations are open for the 2022-2023 Ontario Public Student Trustee Leadership Scholarship. The intent of this award is to recognize outstanding achievement in a leadership role and provide financial support to a graduating public board student trustee to assist with their post-secondary education plans (University, College, or Apprenticeship). This scholarship is based on an outstanding initiative accomplished during the student trustee’s term and how the initiative positively impacted the students in their board. Two scholarships, in the amount of $500 each, will be awarded. The application deadline is April 28, 2023. More information can be found on The Ontario Public Student Trustee Leadership Scholarship (2022-23).
REMINDER: Ministry of Education/Osgoode Professional Development Sessions for School Board Leaders
The Ministry of Education is continuing its partnership with York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School to provide a new two-part human rights professional development program. These follow the Winter/Spring 2021 program that focused on anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism.
The 2023 program will consist of two half-day, live online sessions and is offered at a price of $245. It is designed for trustees, student trustees, directors of education and board senior leadership. Upon completion of both sessions, participants will be eligible to receive a confirmation of attendance and participation.
- Disability Rights in Public Education – This program will provide school board leaders and trustees with a foundational understanding of disability rights in publicly funded education.
Dates: Sat., May 13, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. OR Tues., May 23, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Hate Activity in School Boards – This session will provide a foundational understanding of manifestations of hate and discrimination relevant to Ontario’s publicly funded school boards.
Dates TBD – will launch in Fall 2023
Registration is now open for these programs. For more information visit the Osgoode PD website or email education@osgoode.yorku.ca.
Ombudsman Report – Missing In Inaction: Misty’s Story
In his report, Missing in Inaction, Misty’s Story, released on April 13, the Ombudsman examines what went wrong during the 47 days in 2020 that “Misty,” a 13-year-old from Northern Ontario, was living in a home operated by Johnson Children’s Services.
Other News Releases and Information
- April 18, 2023: News Release, Get Ready for More at Ontario Place
- April 17, 2023: Memo SB05, 2023-24 Estimates Forms for Section 68 School Authorities
- April 17, 2023: Memo SB04, 2023-24 Estimates (District School Boards)
- April 16, 2023: News Release, Ontario Launches Plan to Boost Math, Writing and Reading Skills
- April 14, 2023: Memo SB03, School-Level Data Verification for Child Care Centres Located in Schools
- April 14, 2023: News Release, Ontario Strengthening Agri-Food Value Chain in Northern Ontario
- April 6, 2023: Memo, Professional Activity Days for the 2023-24 School Year
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March 8, 2021
Legislative Update – March 8, 2021
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario returned on February 16, 2021, and MPPs have a constituency week March 15 to 19, 2021.Bill 257, Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021
This legislation was introduced on March 4, 2021, by Minister of Infrastructure Laurie Scott. The bill, “proposes to reduce costs to broadband providers associated with attaching broadband wirelines to hydro utility poles, and would provide timely access to poles and to municipal rights of way to install broadband on municipal land.” News Release: Ontario Taking Action to Expand Access to Reliable Broadband Current Status: First Reading.Bill 254, Protecting Ontario Elections Act, 2021
This legislation was introduced on February 25, 2021, by Attorney General Doug Downey. The bill proposes to amend the Election Act, Election Finances Act, the Members’ Integrity Act and the Municipal Elections Act. Specific changes would affect donation limits, MPP social media accounts during campaigns, longer advance polling dates and allow independent MPPs to receive per vote subsidies. OPSBA will continue to monitor the legislation and its proposed elections changes. The next general election is scheduled to occur on or before June 2, 2022. News Release: Ontario Taking Steps to Make it Easier and Safer to Participate in Provincial Elections Current Status: Second Reading.Bill 251, Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021
This legislation was introduced on February 22, 2021 by the Solicitor General, Sylvia Jones. In addition to this legislation, the Ministry of Education is seeking feedback from education stakeholders, “to inform the development of an anti-human trafficking policy framework for the provincially-funded education sector.” OPSBA’s Policy Development Work Team will be meeting next week to discuss the questionnaire and how schools play a role in protecting students against trafficking and how to support survivors. News Release: Ontario Introduces New Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation Current Status: Second Reading.COVID-19 Update
As of the morning of March 8, 1,230 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in publicly funded schools in the past 14 days. Of those cases, 1,050 are students, 167 are staff, and 13 are not identified. Thirty of the 4,828 schools in the province are currently closed. On March 5, the government provided an update on the rollout of Phase Two of its COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan, which is scheduled to start in April with a focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk. A slide deck about this distribution plan was shared with stakeholders. With vaccine supply stabilizing, with Johnson and Johnson’s one-shot vaccine being approved and more than two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine expected from the federal government before the end of March, the province us expecting that up to nine million Ontarians will be vaccinated between April and July 2021. During Phase Two, groups that will receive the vaccine include:- Older adults between 60-79 years of age;
- Individuals with specific health conditions and some primary caregivers;
- People who live and work in congregate settings and some primary caregivers;
- People who live in hot spots with high rates of death, hospitalizations and transmission; and,
- Certain workers who cannot work from home.
Child Care Regulations
Amendments will be filed under the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) following the five-year review of the legislation and the stakeholder consultation that occurred last fall. The changes are to reduce administration duplication and allow some authorized recreation programs to operate more than three hours per day. These groups include the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, municipal recreation programs, First Nation entities (on reserve) and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. OPSBA’s work teams did meet to provide a submission to this consultation and sent a response in November 2020. The regulations that will be amended include:- Ontario Regulation 137/15: General
- Ontario Regulation 138/15: Funding, Cost Sharing and Financial Assistance
- Ontario Regulation 221/11: Extended Day and Third Party Programs
School Year Calendars
The Ministry of Education has issued separate communications about changes to this year’s school year calendar and revised deadlines for next year’s school year calendar submissions. For this current school year, 2020-21, school boards/authorities have been asked to update their calendars to reflect the changes made over the course of the year (First Instructional Day, PA Days, March Break etc.) Changes to Ontario Regulation 304: School Year Calendar, Professional Activity Day, were also made to move March Break to April for this year only. See February 25, 2021 Memo re 2020-21 School Year Calendar For the next school year, 2021-22, school boards/authorities are being given flexibility for submitting their calendar to the Ministry of Education for approval. The revised submission deadlines for modified calendars is on or before May 7, 2021, and for regular calendars, on or before May 28, 2021. See March 1, 2021 Memo re 2021-22 School Year Calendars UpdateVirtual Advocacy Days 2021
On March 5, OPSBA participated in its last Virtual Advocacy Day with a meeting with Steven Del Duca, the Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and the eight Liberal MPPs. This follows the earlier meetings with the Minister and Parliamentary Assistant of Education/PC MPPs, the Green Party of Ontario (MPP Mike Schreiner), and the Leader of the Official Opposition and NDP MPPs. The Association was represented by the Executive Council, the Chair of the Indigenous Trustees’ Council and provincial student trustee leaders. The purpose of OPSBA’s Virtual Advocacy Day meetings was to re-introduce OPSBA and its priorities to the government and the opposition parties. It was also an opportunity to increase and elevate the overall awareness of the Association and its advocacy efforts. Reminder: OPSBA is encouraging all trustees to reach out to their local MPP(s) to set up a phone call or virtual meeting during the first 2021 constituency week, which occurs March 15 to 19, 2021. Trustees could use the opportunity for a “check-in” and also consider discussing the agenda items of Education Funding and the Future of Public Education. Click here for constituency office contact information and please visit the OPSBA website for our PowerPoint slide deck. Trustees can also connect with OPSBA staff for other materials.March 11 – OPSBA Virtual Workshop on Conflict Management
OPSBA continues to offer online lunchtime speakers and professional development sessions for trustees. We invite you to grab your lunch and connect with fellow trustees on Thursday, March 11 at noon when we welcome Gillian Tuck-Kutarna and Wayne Joudrie for a professional development session Conflict: Managing it Creatively. In the session, we will explore roles, relationships, legal foundations and potential solutions to commonly experienced challenges in education governance. The session will be interactive with plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions and share ideas and experiences. Zoom details were sent on March 4. This series is offered free of charge. Registration is NOT required, but for our planning purposes, please send a quick email to kdevine@opsba.org indicating you plan to attend.Provincial Voter Registration Month
March is Provincial Voter Registration Month (PVRM) in Ontario. Elections Ontario is asking Ontarians to get prepared for the next provincial election, scheduled to be held on or before June 2, 2022, by adding, confirming or updating their information on the voters list using Elections Ontario’s online eRegistration tool. For more information, visit .Education Funding Memos
- March 3, 2021 Memo: SB02, 2020-21 Student Transportation Grant In-Year Adjustments
- February 26, 2021 Memo: B04, 2021-22 School Year
Other News Releases and Information
- March 5, 2021 News Release: Ontario Setting Up Apprentices and Employers for Success
- March 4, 2021 News Release: Ontario Increasing Mental Health Supports for Indigenous Peoples, Families and Communities
- March 1, 2021 News Release: Ontario Supports Modernization of Municipal Services
- March 1, 2021 News Release: Ontario Increasing Supports for Black Students
- February 27, 2021 News Release: Ontario Supporting Children and Youth with Complex Mental Health and Addictions Needs
- February 22, 2021: Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 165: School Board Teacher Hiring Practices
- February 2021: Ontario Ombudsman Newsletter
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May 3, 2021
Legislative Update – May 2, 2021
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is in session for three weeks before a constituency week that aligns with the Victoria Day holiday weekend (May 24-28), and is set to rise for summer recess on June 3.Education Week 2021- Stronger Together
For 2021, Ontario’s Education Week theme is Stronger Together. Building on the 2020 theme, Rising to the Challenge, we are recognizing our collective efforts in overcoming the difficulties of COVID-19. Many OPSBA member boards are highlighting the amazing activities and initiatives happening through the contributions of students, parents, teachers and education workers who promote and ensure student success and well-being at the local level. We’re taking this opportunity to encourage you to share your good news on Twitter and Instagram (and other social media of course!) using the hashtags #OntEdTogether and the Ministry of Education’s hashtag #StrongerTogether. See OPSBA’s Education Week web page See Ministry of Education’s webpageCOVID-19 Update
The provincial COVID-19 school-related case information webpage is not currently being updated due to the province-wide closure of schools to nearly all in-person learning. On April 29, the government announced it will be accelerating vaccination rollout over the next few weeks, starting with targeting 50 per cent of upcoming vaccine shipments to hot spot communities as identified by postal code during the weeks of May 3 and 10. Approximately 800,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are expected to arrive in Ontario per week at the start of May, ramping up to 940,000 doses per week by the end of May. For more information, including updated age eligibilities, see the provincial news release and the government’s COVID-19 vaccination plan web page. Earlier today Minister Lecce released a statement via twitter about vaccines for all education workers next week.Recent and Current Legislation
Bill 276, Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act – This legislation was introduced by Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, the Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. The bill contains changes to 28 Acts, including the Education Act which includes a proposed amendment regarding demonstration schools. This bill has been referred to the Standing Committee General Government and even though public hearings have not been posted, OPSBA’s Policy Development Work Team has sent in a brief submission. Current Status: Ordered referred to Standing Committee Bill 269, Protecting the People of Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2021 – This legislation supports the provincial government’s budget that was released on March 24 by the Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy. That same day, OPSBA shared a preliminary overview of the 2021-22 budget that included education sector impacts with its members. Current Status: Royal Assent received on April 27, 2021. See the Ministry of Finance news release, Ontario Legislature Passes Budget Bill to Protect Health and Jobs Bill 260, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, 2021 – This legislation was introduced on February 8 by Liberal MPP Stephen Blais. The legislation proposes to amend the Municipal Act and the City of Toronto Act to include code of conduct breaches that involve workplace violence and harassment policies. The introduction followed a previous government announcement on March 5, indicating that the government will be reviewing Municipal Codes of Conduct. This consultation is not applicable to school boards or trustees but OPSBA will monitor for any proposed changes. On April 14, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a news release, Ontario Now Accepting Public Feedback to Strengthen Municipal Codes of Conduct Current Status: First Reading. Bill 251, Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021 – This legislation was introduced on February 22 by Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. In addition to this legislation, the Ministry of Education connected with education stakeholders, “to inform the development of an anti-human trafficking policy framework for the provincially-funded education sector.” OPSBA’s Policy Development Work Team met to discuss the questionnaire and how schools play a role in protecting students against trafficking and how to support survivors. A submission was sent on March 19, 2021. Current Status: Second Reading.Mathematics Proficiency Test Update
A memo was sent on April 29 regarding the Mathematics Proficiency Test (MPT), which is a requirement for certification by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). An amendment was made to Ontario Regulation 271/19 (Proficiency in Mathematics) under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996.The Ontario Public Student Trustee Leadership Scholarship
Nominations are now open for the Ontario Public Student Trustee Leadership Scholarship. This is an award jointly provided by the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Public Board Council of OSTA-AECO. The intent is to recognize outstanding achievement in a leadership role and provide financial support to a graduating public board student trustee to assist with their post-secondary education plans (university, college, or apprenticeship). This scholarship is based on an outstanding initiative accomplished during the student trustee’s term and how the initiative positively impacted the students in their board. Two scholarships, in the amount of $500 each, will be awarded. The application deadline is May 24, 2021.Other News Releases and Information
- April 30, 2021 News Release: Ontario Extends Freeze on College and University Tuitions
- April 29, 2021 News Release: Canada And Ontario Invest Over $44 M in Improved Culture, Recreation, and Green Infrastructure in Partnership with 15 Communities Across Ontario
- April 28, 2021 Auditor General Reports: Special Report on Pandemic Readiness and Response in Long-Term Care
- April 28, 2021 News Release: Ontario to Introduce Paid COVID-19 Leave
- April 28, 2021 News Release: Ontario Helps Train More Personal Support Workers Financial assistance available for students enrolled at Private Career Colleges and School Boards
- April 26, 2021 News Release: Ontario Introduces Legislation to Take Action Against Stunt Driving and Street Racing
- April 2021: Ontario Ombudsman Newsletter
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May 26, 2020
OPSBA Board of Directors Meeting – May 23, 2020
Children and Youth Mental Health Education Finance Education Partner News Education Policy OPSBA Events OPSBA News Trustee PDThe Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Board of Directors held a virtual meeting using the Zoom platform on May 23, 2020. President Cathy Abraham gave an acknowledgement that the meeting was being held on the traditional territory of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Minister of Education Stephen Lecce virtually attended the meeting to give an update on the Ministry of Education’s response to COVID-19 and future steps that will be taken prior to the re-opening of public schools. He also conducted a Q&A session with President Abraham and gave an overview of the current tables and regular calls with education sector leaders that have been established and that the government has been accessing for advice over the past weeks. Minister Lecce committed to connecting with the tables in a weekly basis going forward. Education policy and program issues that were discussed in public session at the meeting are summarized below.COVID-19 Pandemic Planning
Since the state of emergency declaration on March 17 and the initial closure of schools on March 19, OPSBA has been regularly connecting with its internal and external stakeholders. Decisions on the school closures made by the government, and the Ministry of Education, have been based on the advice and guidance of Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. The Deputy Minister (DM) of Education connects weekly with stakeholders, including OPSBA and the other trustee associations. President Abraham has been in touch with Minister Lecce, and OPSBA staff are in regular contact with his political staff as well as ministry staff. OPSBA’s latest COVID-19 updates In our conversations with government, we have emphasized the need for OPSBA, school boards, and trustees to be included in discussions around the re-opening of schools, and other aspects of the pandemic response. Issues that we have discussed include, but are not limited to, ensuring equity in our approach to distance learning, mental health supports for students, and funding for school boards’ response to the pandemic. The government recently released Ontario’s Framework for Continued Learning and OPSBA’s Executive Council and Policy Development and Education Program Work Teams will be part of a the coordinated response to transition students and staff back to in-class learning when it is deemed safe to do so. In addition, there are currently several provincial working tables that include stakeholders from across the sector. These tables are discussing a number of issues related to the return to school plan including:- When, where and which schools to reopen?
- How to reopen schools?
- Continued supports (including mental health) for students, parents and staff
- Appropriate volume and proximity of students and staff, classroom set up
- Catch-up, review and remedial opportunities including expansion of summer offerings
- Continued professional development for staff on distance learning
- Supply inventory of safety equipment
- Use of personal protective equipment
- Cleaning & disinfecting schools
- Transportation
- School cafeterias, breakfast and other food programs
- Use of outdoor space for instruction
- Childcare and afterschool programs
- Increased and unexpected costs including technology/connectivity given to students and families
- Assessment, report cards, and EQAO testing
- Access to schools for retrieval of personal belongings
- Remote learning challenges, including access to technology, synchronous learning, etc.
Communications, Government and Public Affairs
OPSBA continues to have regular contact with senior government officials, political staff, and politicians of all parties in the legislature. We continue to stress the need for OPSBA, school boards, and trustees to be included in discussions around re-opening of schools, and other aspects of the pandemic response. OPSBA communications staff have been in regular contact with member board communicators to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest provincial news regarding the pandemic’s impact on public schools. The Association’s media coverage since the February Board of Directors meeting has largely been focused on collective bargaining and the pandemic situation. For more, please see the links below: Media Statements and News Releases OPSBA Media ActivityLegislative Update
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario was to have a full constituency week that aligned with March Break but MPPs were called back on March 19 following the province’s state of emergency declaration* on March 17. Since that time, the House has met only a few times to extend emergency measures and introduce additional pandemic-related legislation. A small group of MPPs met on March 25 to allow the Minister of Finance, Rod Phillips, to release the March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update. The House was adjourned until April 14 for a one day session and then recently resumed on May 12 to again renew the emergency declaration and sit for a reduced Question Period. The government is now resuming twice-weekly Question Periods, to be held every Tuesday and Wednesday, until June 4, which is when the House is scheduled to rise for summer. Liberal leader Steven Del Duca recently announced an updated list of critic portfolios that includes newly elected MPPs Lucille Collard and Stephen Blais. MPP Kathleen Wynne remains the Liberal Education Critic and John Fraser will remain as House Leader. *The Ontario government declared an emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). This has been extended until June 2 and includes a number or orders including the closure of certain establishments and size of public gatherings. Recent Relevant Legislation and Regulation Changes- Bill 186, Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies)
- Bill 187, Municipal Emergency Act
- Bill 188, Economic and Fiscal Update Act, 2020
- Bill 189, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act, 2020
- Bill 190, COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020
- Ontario Regulation 463/97: Electronic Meetings
- Ontario Regulation 7/07: Student Trustees
- Ontario Regulation 304: School Year Calendar, Professional Activity Days
- Ontario Regulation 271/19: Proficiency in Mathematics
- Ontario Regulation 176/10: Teachers’ Qualifications
- Ontario Regulation 277/19: Grants for Student Needs – Legislative Grants for the 2019-2020 School Board Fiscal Year
- Ontario Regulation 205/20: Order Made under subsection 7.0.2 (4) of the Act—Education Sector
Ontario Education Services Corporation’s (OESC’s) Trustee Professional Development Program
OESC recently relaunched their Trustee Professional Development Program with each of the 21 online modules updated with the latest legislation, education policy and research. The modules are primarily intended to support trustees, but are also useful for directors of education, board staff and other stakeholders. New this year is a Certificate of Completion feature. OESC invites trustees who have completed the entire program to apply for a Certificate of Completion. This will be sent to trustees in recognition of their commitment to leadership and the good governance of Ontario’s education system. The modules are available at https://modules.ontarioschooltrustees.org/.Education Funding
A number of B and SB memos have been released since the last Board of Directors meeting in late February, including memos regarding salary continuance for occasional and casual staff, financial reporting requirements, supply chain management contacts, budget planning/class size, in-year Grants for Student Needs (GSN) adjustments and voluntary redeployment of staff. B & SB memoranda for 2020 and prior years can be accessed at https://efis.fma.csc.gov.on.ca/faab/Memos.htm. 2020-21 GSN The GSN announcement continues to be pushed back. Though some clarity on funding requirements for next year was gained with the completion of central collective bargaining, the impact of COVID-19 on school board operations next year is still quite unclear. School board budget submissions will likely be given extensions into the summer. Student Transportation Transportation funding has continued to flow to boards in spite of there being no requirement to transport students. This is presumably to mitigate against an extreme shortage of bus drivers in September. School boards have made agreements through their consortia with operators to continue to pay a percentage of contract amounts so that drivers will not be laid off through this closure period. Capital Construction Capital construction has resumed in many boards, but there has been no communication yet from the ministry on how to handle the impacts of the delay in construction and increase in cost associated with the four-week shutdown of construction projects.French as a Second Language (FSL) Labour Market Partnership Project
Phase III of the FSL Labour Market Partnership Project has continued and all partners are engaged in virtual meetings to support and facilitate action plans related to the recommendations and next steps from the Phase II report. Currently, school boards are being surveyed regarding hiring practices related to using French language proficiency assessments. Phase III ends January 31, 2021. In addition, the provincial government and the federal Department of Canadian Heritage have signed an agreement with OPSBA for three funded national projects to support recruitment, hiring and retention of FSL teachers, the first phase of which runs from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021:- Development of an FSL Teacher Recruitment guide for English Language School Boards;
- French Language Assessment Resources
- Supporting Principals to Address Challenges in Hiring and Retaining Qualified FSL Teachers
Children and Youth Mental Health
School Mental Health Ontario continues to expand its support to school boards and resources can be found on their website. OPSBA participated in a virtual meeting of the National Roundtable Group regarding School Based Mental Health and Well-being K-12. The meeting allowed for the provinces to share current experiences, efforts and identified systemic issues to support students and families during the pandemic for further discussion. Issues of equity and access for students and their families were consistently identified. Ontario Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health members continue to share resources and materials for supporting students, families and staff. The Summit for Children and Youth Mental Health has been deferred to 2022 and discussions will be held to determine if there needs to be a further change once there is a better understanding of the trajectory of the pandemic.Anti-Bullying Strategies
OPSBA provided a comprehensive submission to the Ministry of Education on April 30, 2020 regarding their consultation on bullying. The focus of the OPSBA submission, which was informed through feedback from the Association’s Policy Development and Education Program Work Teams, was on current school board anti-bullying strategies and ongoing efforts. One of the key messages was linked to the importance of shared responsibility and ownership with all stakeholders and education partners.OPSBA AGM
Due to the ongoing crisis, the Board of Directors made the decision to postpone our June 4 to 6 Annual General Meeting to a date and format in the fall that is still to be determined. Our annual Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Conference that was scheduled for April 30 and May 1 was cancelled.Canadian School Boards’ Association
The CSBA continues to meet remotely and has cancelled the annual Congress for 2020, with the AGM now taking place in September. Congress 2021 will occur starting July 7, 2021.Share