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Simcoe County public schools will close Friday

News of OPSEU walk-out prompted board to close schools tomorrow
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Simcoe County District School Board offices in Midhurst. Miriam King/Innisfil Today

Simcoe County District School Board announced today it will be closing schools for in-person learning on Friday because of the strike action planned by education workers. 

Though a strike planned by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) was announced earlier this week, it was today's news of an Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU) walk-out that prompted the local public board to close schools. 

In Simcoe County public schools, OPSEU represents educational assistants, secretarial support staff, child and youth workers, and information and technology staff. 

"Although our intent was to remain open on Friday, the added threat of job action by OPSEU members, and the lack of the required five-day notification, has made it so that our schools cannot operate safely and effectively," states a notice posted Nov. 3 on the Simcoe County District School Board website. 

All schools within the Simcoe County District School Board will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 4. Coursework will be assigned through the virtual learning platform. 

"We will not be handing out technology at this time; however, should job action continue beyond Friday, we will work with families to determine need," states the notice on the board website. 

The Simcoe Muskoka District Catholic School Board announced on Nov. 2 that it would be closing its schools on Friday, Nov. 4, because of the province-wide protests planned by CUPE. 

Child care programs in SCDSB schools 

  • Child care centres operated by third-party providers in SCDSB schools will continue with regular operations on Friday, Nov. 4.
  • Before and after-school programs will not operate on Friday, Nov. 4.

Learning Centres and Career Centre 

  • The Learning Centres, including the Newcomer Welcome Centre, will be closed to students on Friday, Nov. 4. 
  • The Career Centre will be closed to the public on Friday, Nov. 4. 

Community use of schools 

  • All community use permits in SCDSB schools will be cancelled beginning on Friday, Nov. 4 until further notice.  

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Erika Engel

About the Author: Erika Engel

Erika regularly covers all things news in Collingwood as a reporter and editor. She has 15 years of experience as a local journalist
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