COVID-19 Update for August 13 2020 – 4:40pm
Calling it the “next steps” in Ontario’s back-to-school plan, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced more than $550 million in one-time (i.e., this year only) funding for school boards.
While not entirely new funding, the government is allowing school boards to access $500 million in reserve funds to spend on local priorities, noting a focus on physical distancing in schools. An additional $50 million is available for upgrades to air quality systems such as ventilation and HVAC.
Lecce also announced a policy directive requiring minimum standards for remote learning for parents choosing to keep their kids at home. From Kindergarten through Grade 12, a minimum of 75 per cent of the school day (225 out of the standard 300 minutes) must include live, synchronous (“Zoom-style”) teaching. An additional $18 million will be available for school boards to hire principals and other support staff to manage online learning and $15 million to supply technology (laptops, tablets, internet access) to students who need it.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team