Dear Member,

On December 19, 2022, OSSTF Toronto discovered via a trustee newsletter that the TDSB would be providing to its students online tutoring services delivered by private companies based in the United States, namely brainfuse and Paper tutoring. This decision came without previous notification from the Board, nor was there any consultation on the matter. Meanwhile, other Boards in the GTA are using the money they have received from the Ministry of Education to fund only in-person tutoring, to be provided by employees who already educate and nurture the students who may need additional support.

The TDSB’s decision to use public funds to support private American companies is truly egregious. It comes at a time when the need for uncompromising defence of public services is at its greatest. The TDSB needs to reverse this decision as soon as possible. 

To that end, on December 22, 2022, OSSTF Toronto sent a letter to Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Director of the TDSB, copied to all of the Trustees protesting this decision. We will continue to find ways to fight back, but we need your help. 

The TDSB’s Program and School Services Committee is meeting on Wednesday, January 18th at 4:30pm. One way to push back against the Board’s decision to direct public money earmarked for education into the pockets of private U.S. companies is to make a “delegation” (deputation) to the committee to voice your opposition. Any member of the public can make a delegation so spread the word to friends, family, and other education stakeholders in your community.

The procedures for making a delegation are outlined in the TDSB’s PR718. The deadline for submitting a delegation request for next Wednesday’s meeting is Monday, January 16th, 4pm. You may submit your request by email (delegates@tdsb.on.ca), phone (416-397-3627), fax, mail, or in person. Further details and instructions for what to include in your request are in the PR718 document. Please note: employees making a delegation at a Committee meeting are required to disclose to the Committee the fact that they are employed by the TDSB, confirm that they are not acting on behalf of the TDSB, and confirm that they have read and adhere to the Employee Conflict of Interest Policy (P057)

Continue to watch your emails for more ways that you can get involved. Thank you.