TDSB parents launch letter-writing campaign against cost-cutting measures
Parents at Grenoble, Annette Street and Perth schools report cuts to class-size caps, staffing, outdoor education and community programs amid provincial oversight.
Sources · local media reports
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A coalition of Toronto parents is campaigning against cost-cutting measures at the Toronto District School Board, launching a letter-writing drive to the provincially-appointed supervisor in hopes of reversing some cuts.
The letters reflect concerns across multiple schools, identifying common themes: reduced transparency, ongoing budget and staffing cuts, diminished opportunities for parent engagement, and the loss of programs and supports families consider essential to student success.
Grenoble Public School, which serves approximately 900 students speaking about 70 different languages, is slated to lose its Parent, Caregiver, and Community Engagement Office (PECCO)—a program families say has been instrumental in connecting the community with resources for food, shelter, housing and settlement support. The school is among more than a hundred TDSB model schools serving some of the city's most vulnerable students that are facing program cuts.
At Annette Street Public School, entire classrooms are being sealed off to save money on custodian costs. At Perth Junior Public School, the annual holiday market—a recurring community event that generated funds for school council and enabled purchases of recess equipment and trips—has been cancelled.
Parents also point to the removal of class-size caps for Grades 4 through 8, which they say could lead to significantly larger classes. "That class-sized gap could be removed. And when it says removed, there is no upper limit to it," said Sameer Sayed, a Grenoble parent for nearly a decade.
Since provincial supervision began last year, the TDSB has cut nearly 800 jobs, including elementary, English as a Second Language and model school teachers, special education assistants, and lunch supervisors.
When will these cuts take effect, and how long will they last?
How many students across the 100+ TDSB model schools will lose access to programs like PECCO?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many schools are mentioned by name as facing cuts?
Three schools are specifically named: Grenoble Public School, Annette Street Public School, and Perth Junior Public School.
What program is Grenoble Public School losing?
Grenoble Public School is losing its Parent, Caregiver, and Community Engagement Office (PECCO), which provided families with resources for food, shelter, housing and settlement support.
How many jobs has the TDSB cut since provincial supervision began?
The Toronto District School Board has cut nearly 800 jobs, including elementary, English as a Second Language and model school teachers, special education assistants, and lunch supervisors.
What specific cost-saving measure is being used at Annette Street Public School?
Annette Street Public School is sealing off entire classrooms to reduce custodian costs.
