As you may have recently seen in the media, all Ontario school boards received memos from the Ministry of Education late Friday afternoon outlining funding reductions or cuts to the Education Programs - Other (EPO) grants.
Some of these funding cuts or reductions include supporting Indigenous student learning and leadership projects, Tutors in the Classroom, Teacher Learning and Leadership Program, Student Success Leaders Supporting Racialized Students, Ensuring Equitable Access to Postsecondary Education, and others. As a proactive measure, the board had previously put many of its EPO programs on hold pending notification from the Ministry.
We recognize that this information is concerning for our students and their families, our staff members and the broader community. We are currently conducting a full analysis of the information in the 17 memos we received. When we have further information about how these funding reductions will affect our system and our programs, we will share that information with you.
Our first priority continues to be the success and well-being of all our students. Please be assured that we will do our best to minimize the effect these cuts and reductions have on all students.
Louise Sirisko Corrie McBain
Director of Education Board Chair