KAWARTHA LAKES-85% of students have signed up for in-class learning come September while 15% opted for online learning. 92% of parents responded to a request to pre-register with the board.
That means there will be 1,600 fewer elementary students and 530 fewer secondary students in the classrooms locally.
Trillium Lakelands District School Board released the figures today at their board meeting.
Officials say there will be a staggered start to the school year for kids from Jk to grade 12 with classes starting on September 8th. Half of the class will have two days each the first week to give students and staff an opportunity to get used to the new routines and rules.
Director of Education, Wesley Hahn, said they are looking at using some of their reserves to reduce class sizes in certain situations. The board approved pulling 2% of their operating budget from reserves but Hahn says that won’t provide enough funding to lower class sizes in all areas they want to.
With some added funding for ventilation, officials will be looking at filter changes, new hepa filters and air flushing in schools. They are working on signage for all schools around entry, exit, handwashing, direction etc. Schools will be cleaned in the morning, mid-day and after school with high touch areas being cleaned more often.
The board has already provided schools with an Administrative Guide for opening schools for principals and vice-principals. A guide for staff and parents will be released soon according to officials.
Public Health has been working with the board to develop protocols in case a student develops a symptom of Coronavirus throughout the day. That is still in the works.
