INVESTING FOR A SAFE SEPTEMBER

MILTON – Focusing on the importance of a quality education, while recognizing the challenges of COVID-19 with the new school year, the MPP for Milton, Parm Gill, is proud to announce the Government of Ontario is investing $27,216,278 for the Halton District School Board, and another $15,468,309 for the Halton Catholic District School Board to support a safe reopening of schools.

“As a father with children going back to school, and as the MPP for Milton, safety remains my top priority as our students begin the new school year. The millions of dollars given to Halton school boards, and the clear provincial guidelines provided, are strong actions our government has taken to keep people in Milton healthy and well,” said MPP Gill.

These investments are part of the Government of Ontario’s historic investments into education, totalling almost $1.3 billion in critical supports. Funding resources made available for all school boards are in response to COVID-19 to provide regular testing and screening, hire 500 public health nurses, add more teaching and custodial positions and cleaning supplies, enhance cleaning for school buses, and more funding for students with special needs and metal health supports.

PPE will be provided to students, teachers, and staff, with additional health and safety training.

“I want to thank our school boards, Trustees, and all of the teachers who are doing their part to support a safe September,” said MPP Gill. “To our parents and students, know that Ontario is behind you every step of the way. Ensuring schools are safe and thoroughly cleaned; teachers are trained and supported; masks are provided, and class cohorts are small, are actions taken to keep you and your family safe,” added MPP Gill.

QUICK FACTS

Halton District School Board funding breakdown to prepare for and address COVID-19: $27,216,278

$1,598,438 for Additional Custodial Staffing Supports.
$291,638 for Health and Safety Training for Occasional Teachers and Casual Education Workers.
$240,587 for Additional Support for Special Education.
$374,044 for Additional Mental Health Support.
$465,123 for Technology resulting in an estimated 930 devices.
Additional $1,443,920 for remote learning.
$124,890 for Enhanced Cleaning Supports.
$775,677 for Transportation needs.
$2,749,497 more for teacher staffing.
28 more nurses.
$1,239,500 for improving ventilation in classrooms.
$2,883,133 in contingency funding to address emerging issues.

Halton Catholic District School Board funding breakdown to prepare for and address COVID-19: $15,468,309

$918,415 for Additional Custodial Staffing Supports.
$163,895 for Health and Safety Training for Occasional Teachers and Casual Education Workers.
$163,760 for Additional Support for Special Education.
$300,000 for Additional Mental Health Support.
$267,246 for Technology resulting in an estimated 534 devices.
And an additional $735,692 for remote learning.
$71,037 for Enhanced Cleaning Supports.
$413,859 for Transportation needs.
$1,720,455 more for teacher staffing.
28 more nurses.
$582,000 for improving ventilation in classrooms.
$1,762,920 in contingency funding to address emerging issues.