LKDSB secondary students across the municipality have the day off today.

With the OSSTF and provincial government unable to reach an agreement before last night’s midnight deadline, the one day strike is going ahead as planned.

Ontario’s education minister issued a statement last night saying the onus is on the teachers’ union to be reasonable and cancel what he calls a needless escalation that is hurting children, parents, and families.

However, the OSSTF says after four straight days at the bargaining table, the government hasn’t addressed any of the major issues affecting quality of education in Ontario.

All LKSSAA student athletic activities scheduled for Wednesday, December 4 have been cancelled and will be rescheduled.

LKDSB Elementary schools remain open along with all French and English Catholic schools. Transportation to those schools will run as normal.

Public high schools will reopen as normal on Thursday.

Full statement from the LKDSB:

Contract Negotiations Update – December 4, 2019 12:30 a.m.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) has confirmed its members will join their colleagues across the province in a legal strike, involving a one-day, full withdrawal of services, on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.​

As such, all Lambton Kent District School Board secondary schools or any programs currently under the supervision of an OSSTF member at a Board or affiliated location are CLOSED to secondary students on Wednesday, December 4 and will reopen to secondary students on Thursday, December 5.

All elementary schools will be OPEN to students on Wednesday, December 4, including Grade 7-8 programs​ and alternative elementary school programs located within LKDSB secondary schools or other Board facilities. Elementary student transportation will run as scheduled on December 4.

Please visit the LKDSB website for updated information regarding contract negotiations: www.lkdsb.net