The Ontario government is currently holding public consultations into education reform in the province. The scope of the consultation is potentially quite broad. Eight questions have been put to the public for response. The questions suggest a narrow scope of possible reform. However the last (eighth) question asks for broad feedback or a sharing of ideas regarding the education system.
This is an opportunity for all members of our community who seek justice in educational funding to make their opinions known to the government. It is very important that as many members of our community as possible participate in the survey.
We have included some possible ideas to mention in your responses to Question 8. We discourage simply copying and pasting the words. The greater the number of individually written responses, the greater the effect will be upon policy planners. An obviously orchestrated campaign of the exact same submissions will have a diminished impact, if any, on the government.
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Possible ideas to include in the response to Question 8
• The funding formula for Ontario’s schools was established in the late 19th century. It is an archaic formula and must be brought into the 21st century to better reflect the province’s diverse population and realities of today. Recognize and give status to Independent schools in Ontario. Update the definition of private school in the Education Act.
• Support the educational needs of all students with Special Needs in Independent schools. This means accommodating all disabilities of children in independent schools as opposed to the current policy of only supporting a select number of disabilities.
• On balance, Ontario’s private schools produce an excellent “product”–solid citizens that contribute to the future tax base of the province. It makes sense to support these schools and their parents in the educational journey of their children.
• Property taxes paid by landowners is a significant contribution to Ontario’s revenue stream. It is important for taxpayers to see an ROI (return on investment) by expanding the funded school boards to include private/ independent schools. Landowners can then direct their property taxes to the school board of their choosing in a more equitable way.
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To participate in the consultation please click:
https://www.ontario.ca/form/open-submissions-education-ontario
Consultations end December 15, 2018. 2018. Please respond soon.
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Shabbat Shalom. Chag Chanukah samayach.
GAJE
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education 