Yesterday, the WRDSB Trustees approved the 2023-2024 budget and demonstrated to ETFO Waterloo members their complicity in the PC government's cuts to education. The WRDSB must communicate to the community that Grant for Student Needs and Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) is insufficient and continues creating a crisis in an already underfunded system. 

As posted on the WRDSB website, the WRDSB noted that fiscal pressures were mitigated "through reductions to central staff positions, as well as a reduction in spending on technology and other commodities." The Board highlights that they identified "savings that would not directly impact school operations and classrooms." This statement is disrespectful to the consultants and itinerant staff who were declared surplus in early June, and undermines the incredible work done by these individuals to support classroom educators and students. 

"In September, educators will be required to implement a new Language curriculum, take action on Right to Read Report recommendations, and adapt to the new French Immersion model," said ETFO Waterloo President Jeff Pelich. "All the while, they will receive less support from the Board and will be told to figure it out on their own. They will not be given the technology or resources required to do their jobs and will receive less support for the most vulnerable students. This is unacceptable."

President Pelich also shared his frustration at the Board's bait-and-switch attempt. "Our union has long been fighting for investments in public education. We are deeply disappointed by the Board's messaging and call on them to be more transparent and respectful in their communication. All education stakeholders must be honest with the public—that public education is underfunded and ongoing cuts will directly impact students, educators, and other education workers. We must not sugar-coat underfunding nor pat ourselves on the backs for cutting services that benefit children and youth."

ETFO Waterloo represents over 2700 contract elementary teachers in the Waterloo Region District School Board. 

For further comment, please contact:

Jeff Pelich

ETFO Waterloo President 

(519) 896-7172 ext. 223, 

[email protected]