Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year.
There are many things I treasure about our public school system, from seeing kids make lifelong friends, to marveling at our children learning to read, write, play sport, and get along all under the guidance of caring teachers and staff.
At the same time, I know - as a parent and a politician - that our schools have challenges and shortcomings, that we can fix. I want to share a snapshot of some of the school issues we’re hearing about.
School funding.
Under the Conservative government, per-student funding has fallen by $1,347 when you factor in inflation. An elementary school with 400 kids has seen the budget shrink by half a million dollars.
That’s why nearly every school I visit is struggling with big classes, and is losing valuable teachers, educational assistants, lunchroom monitors, and vice principals. It’s why we’re losing after-school language programs and adult education classes.
Excellent public schools require more investment from the provincial government, smaller class sizes, and more staffing, especially for high needs kids. That’s what we advocate for.
The cell phone ban, which is a move I fully support. Enforcement will be an issue.
A very troubling rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Palestinian racism, along with bullying. Education and dialogue are fundamental to creating diverse, welcoming and safe spaces for students and staff. The TDSB’s updated anti-hate and anti-racism strategy is a starting point.
A rise in student mental health issues. There is a very real need for more social workers and psychologists in schools, and faster access to OHIP-covered mental health care.
I welcome meetings with students, teachers, parents and staff to better understand your priorities. I’ll continue to do my best to raise our issues in the legislature and organize with you at the local and provincial level to ensure our public schools are great places to learn, work and play.
Please sign up to our newsletter @ https://www.jessicabellmpp.ca/updates to get the latest on, along with other provincial matters, from climate change to housing to health care.
I wish your children a very good year.