How TDSB is addressing the rise in violence in and around Toronto schools.
The concerning rise of violence across the city and particularly, incidents in and around public schools, have prompted renewed discussions to address school safety.
At a December 5th Planning and Priorities Committee Special Meeting, TDSB trustees listened to over 25 deputations from students, parents, adult allies, teachers and community organizations citing their experiences and concerns regarding student safety and the role of police services. Delegations were followed by a presentation on SafeTO: Toronto's Ten-Year Community Safety and Well-Being Plan.
The meeting continued on December 7th with a TDSB staff report on A Collaborative Approach to School and Community Safety: Report 1, and two motions carried related to advocacy for reinstatement of Priority School Initiative (PSI) funding, and the establishment of local neighbourhood safety tables.
I am supportive of this approach which focuses on increased resources with participation from all levels of government, community collaboration and culturally-responsive partnerships to support student learning and well-being. I also urged the board to consider the ways in which racism and discrimination factor into school climate, safety and trust, and to expedite and expand partnerships to better serve high priority populations with intersectional identities and needs.
While many media outlets reported on a possible return of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, there was no recommendation or motion to reconsider the policing practice proven harmful to Black, Indigenous and other marginalized student populations, ended by TDSB in 2017.
You can learn more about how TDSB is addressing school safety here.
Development of the TDSB operational budget for 2024-2025 is underway. Learn more about TDSB's funding, financial facts, options to balance the budget, potential program and staffing impacts, and how to share feedback with the Board of Trustees and Ministry of Education.
The TDSB's 2023-24 Budget Process is currently underway. This year, a number of factors, including the elimination of Ministry funding provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted the budget and staff allocation. More action is needed to advocate for adequate and sustainable funding to support student achievement and well-being.
This budget cycle, the ways and extent to which levels of government coordinate recovery efforts will have immense impact for a generation of children.