Logo: Avon Maitland District School Board
The Avon Maitland District School Board will be receiving $650 thousand from the province, for help in purchasing items to get schools open in September, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced last week the province would be doling out $309 million for boards across Ontario to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, health and safety training, and accommodations for students with special needs.
AMDSB Director of Education, Dr. Lisa Walsh, says the funds will also be directed to additional custodial staff, and well as transportation costs.
Dr. Walsh tells Country 104.9 News there will be three priorities in getting public schools in Huron and Perth counties operational: cleaning, screening, and contact tracing.
Walsh says the school board is currently working with public health officials to determine hot spots where infection could spread within schools, and ensure they are regularly disinfected.
The AMDSB also plans to work with students to help identify potential symptoms of COVID-19.
At this point, Walsh is requesting parents and guardians respond to a recent survey, asking about intentions for students in September.
Responses are needed by Wednesday, August 12th.