One of our key strategic priorities is Education Funding. We believe that strong and equitable education funding is a foundational factor in setting the conditions that promote and sustain student achievement. With this in mind, we have made Minister of Education Mitzie Hunter, and her staff, aware of our support for the current advocacy actions undertaken by the Toronto District School Board and their request to have the regulation governing Education Development Charges (EDC) reviewed.
This issue has been a discussion item for several years as boards struggle to find their own local solutions to capital and repair matters. In our Grants for Student Needs (education funding) submission last year we stated, “OPSBA recommends the ministry review the current education development charges regulation to allow boards more flexibility in terms of capitla funding.”
Each and every school board is unique and must have the local funding autonomy to implement solutions that ensure student success, which includes building, renovating and retrofitting safe and welcoming learning environments.
To read our letter to Minister Hunter, please click here.