While violence may not be on the rise at schools in the region, the local Catholic school board is welcoming recently announced provincial funding that will promote safety for students and educators.
Earlier this week, the Ontario government announced a $24 million investment for youth and community programs in the wake of an increase in violent incidents at several schools across Ontario over the last year.
Scott Johnson, the director of education with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, said local catholic schools will receive around $184,000 of that funding.
“While we have certainly observed that some students have increased mental health and well-being needs following the pandemic, we would not report a noticeable increase in violence in our schools,” said Johnson in an email to CKXS News.
While the school board is still working out the exact details of how its portion of the funds will be spent, Johnson said it will likely be used to target student safety and well-being. He said the board will also utilize the staff who will be funded by the provincial investment.
As part of this week’s announcement from the Ontario government, the province said it will invest $12 million to support the salaries and benefits costs for psychologists, social workers and child/youth workers to enhance additional direct services for students. The province will spend another $4 million to support salaries and benefits for educational assistants working with students who may require additional support.
