Education Minister Stephen Lecce has spent a trip to Oro-Medonte defending the government’s decision not to reduce elementary school class sizes.
Lecce visited Shanty Bay yesterday afternoon, just a little over a week after the province announced funding for building projects in the area, including a new school by 2023.
When asked about plans for elementary students to return to class full time this fall, Lecce said “My message to parents is we have put $309-million more in place with strict public health policies that keep these kids safe.”
He added, “If the risk continues to rise, we will continue to make those investments. We just will not compromise the safety of children in this province.”
Lecce also said parents have a choice between in-class or online learning for their children in September.
Over 100-thousand parents have already signed an online petition urging the Ontario government to reduce class sizes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
For more details on the province’s plan for reopening schools, please click here.
We are making sure our staff and educators are ready with the health and safety guidance to keep students and staff safe.
Productive chat with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Williams, & School Board Chairs as we prepare for a #SafeSeptember.
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) August 4, 2020