Hi, I'm writing from BC. Even as a great grandparent and long time parent advocate I still keep a close watch on education. I greatly admire CPAL's work in this regard and would greatly encourage massive amount of letters in support of Bill 33. There was a great column by Randall Denley in the National Post, which people should look up. https://nationalpost.com/opinion/ontario-is-finally-forcing-out-dei-from-schools-and-universities
I just posted this comment:
Quickly reading some of the top comments of the over 460 so far I see that most people are assuming that Bill 33 is now a reality and in place. The general feeling is of great relief that finally the “government wants trustees who focus on student learning and fiscal responsibility” instead of other agendas. “Long overdue!” was one comment.
However the bill — Supporting Children and Students Act — is still just the proposal. It’s still at the Second Reading stage with debate adjourned. Yet to come: Committee hearings (where it can be amended or weakened), Third Reading, Final Vote, and Royal Assent.
It is too early for parents to rest easy. It is undoubtedly largely parent concerns that have inspired these needed improvements. And even in this 19 page bill “parents” are mentioned only once. Where trustees and education directors are expected to fulfill their duties in an appropriate manner — besides attending to education programs, student achievement, finances, etc. — one point specifies one duty is to ensure “the engagement of parents and other entities that may have an interest in the activities of a board”.
I fear this is where there could be a hangup. Many vested interests simply do not want an effective parent voice in school affairs and the bill might be seriously thwarted or amended.
Hi, I'm writing from BC. Even as a great grandparent and long time parent advocate I still keep a close watch on education. I greatly admire CPAL's work in this regard and would greatly encourage massive amount of letters in support of Bill 33. There was a great column by Randall Denley in the National Post, which people should look up. https://nationalpost.com/opinion/ontario-is-finally-forcing-out-dei-from-schools-and-universities
I just posted this comment:
Quickly reading some of the top comments of the over 460 so far I see that most people are assuming that Bill 33 is now a reality and in place. The general feeling is of great relief that finally the “government wants trustees who focus on student learning and fiscal responsibility” instead of other agendas. “Long overdue!” was one comment.
However the bill — Supporting Children and Students Act — is still just the proposal. It’s still at the Second Reading stage with debate adjourned. Yet to come: Committee hearings (where it can be amended or weakened), Third Reading, Final Vote, and Royal Assent.
It is too early for parents to rest easy. It is undoubtedly largely parent concerns that have inspired these needed improvements. And even in this 19 page bill “parents” are mentioned only once. Where trustees and education directors are expected to fulfill their duties in an appropriate manner — besides attending to education programs, student achievement, finances, etc. — one point specifies one duty is to ensure “the engagement of parents and other entities that may have an interest in the activities of a board”.
I fear this is where there could be a hangup. Many vested interests simply do not want an effective parent voice in school affairs and the bill might be seriously thwarted or amended.
Agreed. We need to continue the pressure on our government. This is not the time to take a nap.