For immediate Release
Grand Erie Adds New Positions, Resources to Support Student Achievement, Equity and Well-Being
WEDNESDAY, MAR. 2, 2022
Brantford, Ont. – In the first year of a new multi-year strategic plan which places learning, well-being and belonging at its centre, Grand Erie District School Board is investing in additional staffing and resources as it works towards these collective priorities.
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"These new investments are specific and intentional to support students and the board’s ability to deliver caring, quality education." Susan Gibson CHAIR, |
“As we transition from a very challenging time in education following two years of unprecedented change, we are now laying a strong foundation for the years ahead to support student achievement, equity and mental health,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. “These further investments are the result of extraordinary efforts by Rafal Wyszynski, Superintendent of Business and Treasurer, and our Business Services team, enabling Grand Erie to respond to emerging needs and ensuring we are making a positive impact in our vision to learn, lead and inspire.”
In December, Grand Erie Trustees approved the 2021-22 revised budget for the board that focused investments on new resources and the hiring of additional educators and support staff to meet learning, renewal and well-being goals. Grand Erie is investing more than $11 million into increased learning supports across the district, including the hiring of more than 81 additional staff members. New investments in staffing include:
- More than 30 elementary teachers to support enrolment growth
- More than 17 secondary teachers to support online learning, student success and guidance
- An additional eight educational assistants to support rising special education needs across the system
- Four full-time Indigenous Grad Coaches (Cultural Mentors)
“These new investments are specific and intentional to support students and the board’s ability to deliver caring, quality education,” said Susan Gibson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board. “It represents a strong step forward in our mission to work together to create a culture of learning, well-being and belonging to inspire each learner.”
Significant investment is being made in areas supporting Indigenous students’ participation, engagement and achievement including hiring grad coaches/cultural mentors at the secondary level, and elementary engagement teachers and additional cultural supports.
“This is an investment in deepening our system-level commitment to reconciliation and improving educational achievement outcomes for Indigenous students,” said Robin Staats, Principal Leader of Indigenous Education and Equity. “It’s an important move toward building a culture of belonging to support equitable, inclusive and responsive environments.”
The complete 2021-22 revised budget estimates report can be found on the Grand Erie website, as well as its multi-year strategic plan’s goals.- 30-
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Contact:
Grand Erie Communications
gedsb-communications@granderie.ca
Grand Erie District School Board
349 Erie Avenue, Brantford, Ontario, N3T 5V3
www.granderie.ca