With the safety of students in mind in these pandemic-fueled times, the province of Ontario will increase spending for the next school year.
Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced Friday that the province will increase spending on schools per-pupil by $736 million, for a total of $25.5 billion for the 2020-2021 academic year. The money will come via the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) program, and according to Lecce, represents the largest spending commitment on education in Ontario history.
"We are investing more in our students to ensure they are safe and well prepared to hit the books beginning in September," said Lecce. "As we review all scenarios related to the COVID-19 outbreak, our government is supporting each and every school board in the province to ensure our students and educators have the resources available for a successful year."
The projected average spending per-pupil comes to $12,525, a $250 per-student increase over the 2019-2020 academic year.
The GSN will also fund the new, $213 million Supports for Students Fund (SSF), which will provide help in special education, mental health, language instruction, Indigenous education, and STEM programming.
The SSF is also available for hiring of additional custodial and support staff if needed once classes resume in September.
Record-high investments are being allocated in mental health and well-being programs, anti-bullying measures, and special education. Each of the province's 72 publicly-funded boards is expected to have an increase in GSN shares for 2020-2021.
In addition to the GSN, the province is also pledging support for the Priorities and Partnerships Fund (PPF), which provides support for school boards and third-parties to begin important initiatives. The PPF is expected to include $300 million to fund 150 student initiatives.
The announcement on funding comes the same day the ministry announced a three-option plan for public school boards to safely resume classes in September.
