After the latest update from the education minister today (August 11), I continue to be astounded by this government’s complete lack of planning for a safe return to schools.Ìý
The minister of education announced further potential measures that divisions might choose to enforce for the upcoming school year.
Let us be clear: further guidance is badly needed, but the guidance they’ve provided so far is not nearly enough. Parents still do not know when and under what conditions mask use will become mandatory.Ìý
Saskatchewan parents, students, teachers and school-based staff are still stuck with the worst plan in the country.Ìý
Saskatchewan families have done what’s been asked of them during the pandemic.
The least we should expect is a real plan to get our kids back to school safely. It is incredibly frustrating that once again the government has chosen to direct school divisions to ‘find creative solutions’ rather to provide clear guidance or funding on cohorting and physical distancing.Ìý
The track record of the premier and the minister of education on schools, even before COVID-19, is one of underfunding and overcrowding.
The kids in this province deserve so much better than this government’s failed return to school plan.Ìý
I have called on the minister to reconvene the Human Resources Committee to hear expert testimony for a real plan that puts school safety first.
We must get this right.
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