The Director of Education for the Thames Valley District School Board admits the current labour situation in area schools is less than ideal.
But Laura Elliott says parents can be secure in the knowledge that students are still learning.
Elementary teachers across Ontario have ramped up their work-to-rule campaign and are no longer participating in extra-curricular activites. Report cards are being put on hold and parent-teacher nights aren't being scheduled. Custodians aren't sweeping school hallways or replacing light bulbs unless their is a safety risk because of a work-to-rule campaign by their union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
Elliott says the Board hopes the situation is resolved soon.
"We certainly appreciate the patience of parents and guardians as all parties work our way through these difficult negotiations," she says.
And while parents may be frustrated by the lack of extra-curriculars, field trips, and report cards, Elliott says the core responsibilities of educators are being met.
"At the end of the day, our students are safe in classrooms. All of our staff are ensuring the safety of our students. And they are learning. And I think those are the two key messages. We have not abandoned the work that is our primary responsibility and that is make sure our students are learning and that our schools are safe," says Elliott.
High school teachers in the TVDSB are also taking job action. Their union announced this week that teachers will submit mid-term marks to principals in written form and will not submit comments.
