On Saturday, hundreds of teachers, education staff, students, and community allies came together at Victoria Park in London, Ont., to advocate for more funding for Ontario’s public education system.

The event took place at the park’s bandshell at 1 p. m. and was part of a series of coordinated protests throughout the province organized under the slogan “Together for Publicly Funded Education.”

Speakers highlighted the need for smaller class sizes, additional support for students with special needs, safer schools, and improved working conditions for educators. The demonstrations arise as unions express worries about ongoing years of underfunding and current contract talks with the provincial government.

Mario Spagnuolo, president of the Greater Essex Teacher Local of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), shared with attendees that the provincial government has a choice between investing in education or allocating funds elsewhere.

“From its first day in office, this Conservative Ford government has stripped over $6.5 billion from our schools,” Spagnuolo said.

“Every dollar missing from our schools means larger class sizes, fewer supports for children with special needs, increasing violence, and growing unmet student needs.”

A supporter holds a sign calling for more teachers at an education rally in London, Ont., on Saturday. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)

Spagnuolo mentioned that some kindergarten classes intended to be capped at 29 students can sometimes reach 32 or 33 by year’s end. He also pointed out that there are no caps on class sizes for elementary grades 4 through 8. He urged unions and community members to unite to demand change.

“We have a vision in this province that every child deserves a fully funded public education system, and that $6.5 billion needs to be reinvested back into our schools,” he stated.

Education workers express concerns over lack of resources

Lisa Weiler Haskins, president of the Educational Assistants Association and member of the Education Workers’ Alliance of Ontario, noted that frontline staff are finding it challenging to meet student needs due to inadequate resources and staffing levels.

Haskins indicated that the province’s Education Act outlines a strong public education system as essential for a thriving society. However, she pointed out there’s an increasing gap between this promise and what educators face daily in classrooms.

“When you have overcrowded classrooms packed with complex, competing needs, and not enough hands on deck, even the most passionate worker is pushed to the limit,” she said.

A student with a sign calling for funding at an education rally in London, Ont., on Saturday. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)

Haskins emphasized that students require safe facilities with capped classroom sizes along with sufficient educational support workers so they can receive necessary attention.

“Our kids, our students deserve that, and the Education Act says so!” she exclaimed.

Haskins encouraged individuals to contact their MPPs urging them to push for increased investment in public education from the provincial government.

In response to these claims, the Ministry of Education stated it has allocated a record $30.6 billion towards schools this year to support teachers’ salaries and school operations according to an emailed statement received by CBC.

“We are also strengthening accountability and financial oversight through the Putting Student Achievement First Act to ensure funding is directed into classrooms where teachers have necessary support while students get resources needed to succeed,” wrote Emma Testani, press secretary to Education Minister Paul Calandra.

Rally speakers link educational funding issues with democracy

Marianne Larson, professor emerita at Western University’s Faculty of Education remarked how Ontario boasts a solid public education system thanks largely due to dedicated school staff alongside community backing.

But Larson who also serves as trustee within Thames Valley District School Board believes this system has faced attacks over recent years.

She drew comparisons between Saturday’s demonstration against past Conservative governments recalling her involvement during protests nearly three decades ago.

“Lousy working conditions for those who work in our schools means lousy learning conditions for our students,” Larson noted.

Larson also criticized actions taken by provincial authorities aiming towards limiting elected trustees’ roles citing these changes jeopardize local democracy.

With municipal elections set on Monday she urged residents not only focus solely but pay attention specifically towards school board races too.

A supporter holds up signs urging greater investment during yesterday’s protest held outside City Hall before attending today’s educational campaign event led by local leaders concerned about future generations’ well-being. p >

Patti Dalton President representing both Labour Council plus many district associations emphasized continual commitment toward supporting all frontline workers seeking better financial backing focusing entirely around educational efforts aimed directly benefiting children enrolled across various institutions throughout Ontario province.

Dalton former educator having taught previously noticed firsthand repercussions stemming earlier attempts made last year when Government tried utilizing legislation preventing CUPE workers exercising their rights therefore leading them strike which raised awareness among populace regarding existing challenges present especially impacting vulnerable communities facing difficulties accessing quality services provided locally nearby neighbourhoods surrounding them.

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