Halton school boards switch to plan B as walkout continues

Halton’s school boards are preparing for the potential long haul as the job action by education workers rolls into the coming week.

Both boards communicated their latest plans to parents today (Nov. 6), with the Halton District School Board (HDSB) alternating between in-person and remote learning for elementary schools, starting with the latter tomorrow.

“We strongly advise that parents/guardians make contingency plans in the event that it becomes necessary to switch to remote learning every day,” said HDSB Director of Education Curtis Ennis in his update to parents.

Meanwhile, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) says its facilities will remain closed tomorrow, with students learning through asynchronous instruction.

“If job action continues beyond Monday, on Tuesday, November 8 we will transition to synchronous instruction for all students,” said board officials in their labour negotiations update.

Unlike many other school boards, CUPE only represents custodial staff in HDSB schools - not educational assistants, early childhood educators or other support staff.

HDSB high schools (including grade 7 to 12 schools) are not affected by the walkout at this point as under the current agreement, secondary schools are allowed to contract out custodial services.

“This means that secondary schools will remain open every day during CUPE job action,” said Ennis in his online update.

For further details on the local situation, visit hdsb.ca and hcdsb.org.