The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation firmly believes that providing a complete education package must encompass the entire school community, not only teachers. The well being of all of our children is at stake. The outsourcing of the custodial services in schools will seriously jeopardize the activities that occur in the schools. Parent Councils are an integral part of the school community. Imagine trying to hold a Council meeting when there is not a custodian to open the building in the evening or clean up after a meeting.
Extracurricular activities depend greatly on the accessibility of the school after hours.
Removing custodians from the direct employ of school boards will result in the deterioration of schools to the point that they will be closed to all activities that occur outside the classroom. Office staff who enforce restraining and court orders in custody cases and act as mother, nurse, and confidant to our children need to know the children in our schools and the special circumstances of those children. The work of educational assistants must be done by members who are familiar with each individual school environment. Educational assistants plan and implement special programs for our special needs students who have a variety of medical, emotional, physical and intellectual requirements. These special needs students rely on consistent and familiar assistance.