Calandra’s cuts are the worst we’ve ever seen, and the harm to our students and your ability to meet their needs is unprecedented. You’re angry, and so are parents and students. All front line staff from every union, working in your schools everyday across the city, are coming together for a Day of Action on June 15. Join your colleagues in this huge display of rage and solidarity and to send a message: We’re united against these cuts, and we’re fighting back!
Here’s the ask, it’ll take you ten minutes. On June 15:
- Wear black;
- Make your sign. Fill in the blank: “When Calandra cuts_____, Our Students Lose_____.”
- Snap a solidarity selfie with your ALL your coworkers in front of your school before the bell, and walk into school together. (and send us the photo!)
- Sign and send the letter to Premier Ford, Minister Calandra, and the TDSB, and tell them directly: Reverse the Cuts! ett.ca/reverse-the-cuts
Ford and Calandra have budgeted $36 million less than last year for the TDSB alone. Another punch to the gut for teachers and students, in the middle of an affordability crisis and constant wasteful spending (private jet, anyone?) by the Conservatives. It’s just the latest theft from public education, which the Conservatives have siphoned $6.4 billion out of since 2018.
Here’s what these choices cost you and your students: 100s of teachers out of a job. 100s more school support workers gone. 145 of these positions cut from Model Schools—the ones serving the kids who need us most. $6 million cut from special education supports. Nearly all the Outdoor Education centres closed. The permanent elimination of accessible transportation services for students with disabilities. ESL and language programs slashed. Decisions made by Calandra’s hand picked Education Czar, Rohit Gupta, who has zero experience in education and has zero accountability to us, parents, or students.
They’ll tell you it’s because there are “fewer students,” but don’t buy it. Most of these cuts have little or nothing to do with enrolment. These are political choices, not budgetary ones.
Calandra is counting on you to be too exhausted to fight back. He wants to keep cutting public education until there’s nothing left. But you can make a difference. Your colleagues at the school down the street will be taking action on June 15—the only question is, will you?
Helpful Links:
ETT letter campaign: ett.ca/reverse-the-cuts
Petition to keep transpo services for students with disabilities
Cuts to Spec. Ed. in TDSB, from AODA Alliance
