Darryl D'Souza, Trustee, DPDSB, advised that numbers were unavailable with respect to school population for the next school year. A survey was circulated to students to indicate their preference for attendance. No concerns have been observed at schools where students have chosen to attend in person.
Trustee D'Souza noted that more detailed numbers on student population will be available next month.
Kathy McDonald, Trustee, PDSB, provided an overview of the 'COVID-19 Operational Policies / Procedures' for the 2021-2022 school year, noting the following:
- Family Learning Choice Survey
- Screening, masking
- Lockers, sharing spaces and materials
- Extra-curricular activities
- Ventilation an improvements to air quality
In response to comments and questions, Trustee McDonald provided information which included following:
- threshold for shut down of schools will be considered on an individual basis and in conjunction with direction from Peel Public Health
- January 2022 is the deadline for students to switch learning module from in person to online and will be revisited if required
- Board is a participant in a Covid-19 testing pilot project in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health
In response to questions regarding crossing guards' schedules, Violet Skirten, Crossing Guard Supervisor, noted the following:
- guards are scheduled at crossings as required and hours may be reduced
- guards may be placed at two locations on the same day
- challenges regarding the hiring of new guards
- suggested that City staff be advised by school boards whether arrival and dismissal times will be changed or staggered to ensure the placement of guards
Trustee McDonald acknowledged the difficulties parents are experiencing due to changes in the schools and advised that communication will be encouraged between the school board and the City.
The following motion was considered: