Template Emailfor Staffto Customize

Template Emailfor Staffto Customize

TEMPLATE EMAILFOR STAFFTO CUSTOMIZE

Subject: Fix The Formula: Fair Funding for Special Education

Cc: ,

Dear [MPPname]:

I am writing as a staff member at (insert school name). As an employee of the Peel board, I want the students I work with to receive the best possible education. That’s why I am writing to ask for a change to the funding formula for the Special Education High Needs Amount. It is a critical funding issue that affects every single Peel student—including the children/teens I work with as (insert role).

The provincial funding formula is very complex, and I don’t understand every aspect of the formula. But I do know that the Peel District School Board is funded the very lowest of all 72 boards in the province per pupil for Special Education High Needs Amount. That is not fair.

Of course, I understand that someone has to be at the top of the chart, and someone on the bottom—funding amounts per capita are never the same. However, the funding formula should be fair. Currently, it is not. Our surrounding boards all receive considerably more per student: $375 in the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, $522 in the Toronto District School Board, and $601 in the Halton District School Board. The Peel District School Board receives $339 per student. I recognize that boards’ needs vary, but it’s the size of the funding variations that’s unacceptable to me as a staff member.

It is my understanding that the Minister of Education is considering a change to the HNA funding as recommended by the provincial working group. This is great news and I am optimistic that she will do the right thing. I also recognize the many competing issues vying for attention at the provincial level.I want to make sure that #FixtheFormula is on the agenda.

That’s the purpose of this letter—to ask you as our elected representative to advocate for Peel students at the provincial level—to #fixtheformula and fund Peel students fairly. Please, make your voice heard and keep this issue front and centre so that the government can begin to phase in the changes and new funding can start with the grants for next school year.

Thank you for help. I know we can count on you to help #fixtheformula for our Peel students.

Sincerely,

[firstname and lastname]