Ontario Parents Voice Concerns as School Review Initiated

Parents across Ontario are expressing anxiety following the announcement from the provincial government regarding a review of underused schools. The initiative led by Premier Doug Ford and the Education Minister Paul Calandra has raised questions about the future of smaller specialty schools, particularly if the existing moratorium on school closures is lifted.

The Education Minister’s office confirmed that Calandra has instructed supervisors in certain school boards to examine surplus properties and provide a report. The focus, according to the statement, is to ensure that educational resources are effectively allocated back into classrooms.

Concerns were voiced by parents like Elizabeth Garkowski, whose children attend a small school that may be at risk. Garkowski stated, “Right now, my daughter is failing to receive some vital supports, and her education is suffering, and I think that should be the priority. Our kids are not a budget line.”

Calandra has taken control of six school boards, including the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, citing mismanagement as the reason for intervention. Despite this, the moratorium on school closures, initially established in 2017 by the previous Liberal government, remains in effect. This ban was put in place following significant backlash from parents and critics who argued that closures were often financially motivated rather than focused on student welfare.

Questions linger about the criteria that will determine which schools are considered surplus. Parent Sandra Huh expressed her concerns, stating, “Which schools are they? That’s the one thing I’m concerned about … what does he consider as being a surplus school? That’s not really clear.”

Critics from the opposition have also raised alarms regarding the timing of the review. John Fraser, the Liberal Leader, described the situation as “a bit suspicious.” He emphasized the government’s track record with property management, suggesting that the potential sales of school properties could benefit private interests rather than the public.

In response to these allegations, Garkowski echoed the sentiment of many parents, stating, “I’m really concerned this minister is just coming in to sell off these schools. The land in Toronto is very valuable.”

Despite the ongoing concerns, Calandra has reassured that the government will not consider lifting the moratorium on closures in rural areas. However, critics argue that lifting the ban in urban areas may become a possibility, given the financial pressures some school boards face due to low enrollment rates.

The ongoing struggle for adequate funding in education is a pressing issue. Garkowski pointed out that the system is underfunded by billions of dollars, which leads to cuts that impact educational quality. Chandra Pasma, the NDP Education Critic, reinforced this perspective, stating, “I don’t think that’s the solution. I think the solution is providing funding so that we can maintain our community schools and every child has the resources they need in the classroom.”

As discussions continue, parents remain vigilant about the future of their children’s education and the fate of their schools. The outcome of the review will likely have significant implications for communities across Ontario, underscoring the importance of prioritizing educational needs over budgetary concerns.