​ Toronto, March 17, 2007- The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) commends Education Minister Wynne and the provincial government for heeding the advice of member boards and allowing increased flexibility around the primary class size initiative.

“OPSBA has been working with Minister Wynne to ensure that the implementation of the primary class size initiative best meets the needs of our students,” said Rick Johnson, president of OPSBA. “When we work together, as we have done in recent years, in a spirit of positive collaboration and mutual respect the students are the winners.”

Public school boards across Ontario are committed to effectively reducing class-size in the primary division to improve student learning and achievement. For some boards, however, there continues to be a need for more flexibility to mitigate the impact on split grades and unintended class organizations that run counter to the pedagogical needs of students and teachers.

The public education system in Ontario is one of the best in the world. OPSBA is committed to working with the Ministry and our provincial education partners to shape solutions to the funding model that will allow all of us to continue on a positive path where our common purpose is to offer the children and youth of Ontario full opportunity to reach their rich potential.

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For more information, please contact:

Jeff Sprang
OPSBA Communications
(416) 340-2540