York Region District School Board Allocates Funds to Hire Additional Classroom Staff

York Region, ON - York Region District School Board will spend over $15,000,000 to hire 150 teachers and educational assistants to support students and lower class sizes in elementary schools.

“As we plan for a September reopening, student and staff safety is  a priority,” said Director of Education, Louise Sirisko. “Expenditures such as these will help reduce in-school class sizes wherever possible.”

“COVID-19 has required Boards to re-examine spending for the 2020-21 school year,” said Board Chair, Juanita Nathan. “York Region District School Board is prioritizing classroom support for students with the health and safety of staff and students.”

“The Ministry of Education has provided some funding to assist with costs associated with COVID-19 and re-opening,” said Vidyia Maharaj, Chief Financial Officer. “Re-opening costs include personal protective equipment, additional training costs, additional staffing costs, student transportation costs, technology and other costs.”

Information about expenditures related to re-opening during the pandemic​ is available on the Board website.

​​For more information, contact:

Corporate Communications

Corporate.communications@yrdsb.ca ​

News Release