Staff, as well as parents, are urging the provincial government to promptly allocate funds for the renovation and modernization of schools within the Waterloo region. The plea was made at a press briefing organized by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) at Elizabeth Ziegler Public School (EZPS) on Monday. The aim is to prevent further structural deterioration in schools, similar to the incident at EZPS, which led to its closure after a concrete chunk fell from the building on March 4. Repairs are ongoing, with the reopening not anticipated until 2027.
During the conference, Gregory Patterson, the President of the Custodial and Maintenance unit at the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), emphasized the urgent need for additional government funding and staff support to address the deteriorating conditions. The lack of resources and staffing has strained custodians, making it challenging to maintain school facilities adequately.
The event was attended by Patterson, ETFO members, and some EZPS parents, with Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife and Kitchener-Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy showing solidarity. Jeff Pelich, the President of ETFO’s Waterloo regional chapter, highlighted the government’s insufficient education investments compared to inflation rates, citing a report from the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) indicating a decline in per-pupil funding over the years.
Pelich attributed the decaying state of schools to funding gaps, forcing boards to make cost-saving measures at the expense of infrastructure maintenance. The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) affirmed its commitment to prioritizing safe and modern facilities, with substantial funds allocated for school operations and maintenance in the current academic year.
In response, the Ministry of Education stated that they inherited neglect from past administrations and are making historic investments in school repairs and construction. Over the next decade, approximately $23 billion will be invested in school projects, including several in the Kitchener/Waterloo area.
Debra Tak, a concerned parent, shared challenges faced by families following the closure of EZPS, necessitating the relocation of students to Sandowne Public School. The transition has been disruptive, especially for those reliant on close proximity to their original school. Tak emphasized the difficulties faced by parents using public transportation, bicycles, or walking for school commutes in the new area.
The situation at EZPS has raised concerns about the broader implications of school infrastructure neglect in the Waterloo region, prompting calls for immediate government intervention.
