Funding ‘gone missing’

Dear Editor:

Any teaching staff member, former or current, must feel that the fearful inquisition of ancient times is being revisited by education minister Paul Calandra and his  enforcers. Former clearly-defined roles and responsibilities within our education system are being diminished, destroyed and overruled.

Those with true understanding of how children actually learn, imagine and create are being fired, demoted and generally devalued. During our children’s early years, the crucial period when lifelong attitudes toward learning are formed, cuts in classroom supports are decided by a bean counter.

Crucial connections to each school community, those who understand the specific support that is required, are trustees who hear from parents and who respond by liaison with local educators. They are worthy of the small monetary compensation they earn. No school area is a cookie-cutter replica of any other.

Where, may I ask, is the $1,500 dollars per pupil that has gone missing under this government? Invest in what is really important, Mr. Ford.

Arlene Callaghan,
Fergus

*Editor’s note: Education spending has increased substantially since 2018, but critics say it has not kept pace with rising costs and inflation in order to maintain the per-student funding level of that year (which would require an additional $1,500 per student).