Ford government spending $35 million to help schools in COVID-19 hot spots
Cash to flow to school boards in Toronto, Peel, Ottawa and York
Schools boards in Toronto, Peel, Ottawa and York will receive $35 million to hire additional teachers and purchase more online devices.
These areas have been hit hard by a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“This funding will help provide more physical distancing in classrooms, support smaller classrooms and provide more resources for remote learning,” said Premier Doug Ford. “For example, schools can use funding to buy more laptops, tablets or other devices for online learning, or hire more teachers and custodians at schools.”
The government said funding is to be used for:
- Providing increased distancing between students through the hiring of additional teachers, early childhood educators, and educational assistants; and
- Providing increased remote learning supports, including the hiring of additional teachers, early childhood educators and educational assistants, as well as devices for students who have chosen to learn remotely.
“Our priority as we enter the flu season is to ensure our schools take every preventative measure possible to ensure students and staff remain safe,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “We are delivering this additional funding – targeting those communities with higher rates of transmission – to ensure we prevent the spread and maximize the safety of Ontario families.”
The province reported 615 cases of COVID-19 on Monday. Toronto lead the way with 289 new cases, 88 in Peel, 81 in Ottawa and 47 in York Region.
