Hamilton school board asks province for pandemic pay
Hamilton's public school board is asking the province for pandemic pay for educators supporting students learning in the city's schools.
Educational assistants and teachers are providing direct care and in-person instruction for students who are not able to follow COVID19 health and safety protocols, such as wearing masks or physically distancing," Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board chair Dawn Danko wrote in a Jan. 19 letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
The letter calls on the Ontario government to administer an additional payment for education workers who have been attending in-person at a physical school" in Hamilton - many since Jan. 4 - in recognition of the elevated risk to staff performing the essential work of supporting students with significant special needs during the lockdown and remote period."
As of Jan. 14, there were approximately 340 students learning in-person - with more than 330 staff supporting them - at 44 HWDSB elementary and secondary schools across the city.
In the Catholic board, there are about 230 learners and about 360 educators, including teachers, support staff and principals, in 38 elementary and seven high schools, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board chair Pat Daly told The Spectator on Jan. 15.
HWDSB trustees also seek further supports for marginalized families," as well as clarity for families and educators in school reopening plans.
The province announced on Jan. 12 that Hamilton schools would remain closed to in-person learning until Feb. 10 - about a month after they were initially set to reopen - as the province further tightened restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
This was the second time this year the planned start date for Hamilton schools had been pushed back.
Students, families and staff require certainty with school routines to alleviate the anxiety of uncertain times," the letter reads. Trustees advocate for clear and timely decisions related to the model of learning for Hamilton schools."
Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Her work is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com