Local school boards are split on how to respond to a potential return to picket lines by thousands of Ontario education workers.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees has issued notice of plans for the 55,000 education workers it represents - education assistants, early childhood educators, librarians, custodians, and administrative staff - to go on strike Monday, November 21st, the second strike by the workers this month.
The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board's announced the strike would mean the closure of its schools - as it could not "ensure the health, safety, and wellness of...students and staff with over 30% of...employees not present" - that means students will start remote learning on Monday, though it'll update parents and guardians through direct messages, its website, or social media.
The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon plans to continue in-person classes on Monday before starting "remote virtual asynchronous learning" on Tuesday, then "synchronous virtual learning" Wednesday, though teachers will communicate to students and parents through their respective portals.
The Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord du l'Ontario plans to keep its schools open on Monday and Tuesday, but - if the strike continues beyond that - would move to virtual learning on Wednesday, using the prior two days to ensure students have what's needed to learn from home - it also promises updates through social media and its website.
The Algoma District School Board also plans to keep schools open Monday and Tuesday but would change to "asynchronous learning" Wednesday and "remote synchronous learning" Thursday, asking those who need a device or hot spot to complete a request form by Tuesday and assuring "special arrangements will be made for eligible students with high special education needs" - it also notes its schools in Elliot Lake and Blind River won't be impacted by the strike so they'll remain open.