‘Disheartened’

Dear Editor:

As a retired teacher, I was confounded when the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) closed the Terry James Resource Center. 

I was more disheartened to learn from former colleagues the consequences of the 2026-27 budget, which declared the board’s vision was “To  be recognized as leaders in creating unparalleled, agile, and inclusive learning experiences for all,” and its plan was to “champion health and wellbeing,” and “ensure equity of access and outcomes.” 

The board’s announcement that the budget was “focused on student success” is ironic given it decimated its budget for student success programming. The Student Success Initiative, introduced in 2003-04, was mandated to reduce dropout rates and support struggling students through such offerings as credit recovery, alternative education and re-engagement programs.

Due to cutbacks, the re-engagement programming in Guelph was eliminated. No equivalent Guelph-based alternative was provided; students wishing to access the program would have to travel to Orangeville. The Student Success Initiative has also involved removing barriers that prevent vulnerable students from attending school; however, cutbacks mean schools can no longer provide the same level of assistance with transportation, food and other immediate needs. 

School-provided transit support has been reduced or eliminated. Food vouchers are reportedly no longer redeemable, leaving students without the same immediate support. Reduction in support disproportionately affects vulnerable students already at risk of disengaging, thus raising the question of how the board is ensuring equity and access to outcomes for all. 

Historically, high school libraries were open every period, during which students could sign out chromebooks. Alas, the library may not be open every period, and because the board is no longer repairing or replacing chromebooks, they may not be functional. Furthermore, students will no longer have access to the same quality of research materials, or to recently purchased materials.

Finally, there is the small matter of the “champion[ing] of health and well being.” With custodial cutbacks, the schools are harder to keep clean, particularly the washrooms, where students express discomfort in going. 

Cutbacks in the areas of Student Services, Child and Youth Care, and Guidance are taking a toll on staff who are stretched thin, and on the vulnerable students in need of support. As one colleague noted: “We are watching our ability to support students decrease in real time, and it’s leading to burnout and a sense of hopelessness.” 

Students and staff deserve to feel hopeful about the year ahead; the board needs to work much more effectively towards fostering such hope.

Robin Todd,
Guelph