The Ontario government has announced a significant investment of $30 million towards the construction of a new elementary school in the Angus Glen South region of Markham. This initiative is part of the York Region District School Board’s efforts to accommodate the educational needs of the area’s growing population. Scheduled to open its doors in 2028, the Angus Glen South Elementary School is designed to provide space for 638 students and includes 48 licensed child care spaces.Ron Lynn, the Board Chair, expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the government’s support, highlighting the importance of the new school in serving the Markham community’s educational needs. He emphasized the board’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment where every student can thrive.Billy Pang, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, echoed these sentiments, noting that the investment is a reflection of the government’s dedication to modernizing educational facilities and supporting Ontario families.This funding is part of a broader $1.3 billion initiative announced by Stephen Lecce, the Minister of Education, aimed at constructing new schools and expanding existing ones across the province. The plan also includes the addition of child care spaces to support working families.However, the announcement has not been without criticism. Joe Tigani, an educational assistant and president of CUPE’s Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OSBCU), voiced concerns over the new funding model. He argued that it falls short in addressing the current staffing shortages and does not sufficiently invest in front-line staff to enhance the quality of education. Tigani also highlighted that the projected increase in per-pupil funding for the 2024-25 school year is below the anticipated inflation rates, raising concerns about the adequacy of funding to meet future needs.Despite these criticisms, Minister Lecce emphasized the government’s commitment to significantly increasing its investment in new school construction. He described this move as the largest investment of its kind in Ontario’s history, aimed at accelerating the construction process, providing school boards with greater flexibility, and utilizing existing community buildings more effectively. Lecce’s vision is to ensure that children in Ontario have access to modern, state-of-the-art schools that are equipped to prepare them for future success
