Parents sound the alarm after TDSB merges multiple grades into single class at alternative school

Parents at The Grove Community School in Toronto’s west end are expressing alarm over cuts they claim are directly impacting students. The Toronto District School Board recently restructured staffing at the alternative school, leading to one of its five teachers being eliminated. As a result, Grades 4, 5, and 6 students are now being taught together in a single classroom of 27 students, aged between eight and 11.

This class comprises students with varying educational and behavioral needs, including four Indigenous children. Adam Marchese, a parent, expressed concern, stating that his son would have received more individual attention in a smaller class. Grade 6 student Axel Singh echoed this sentiment, saying he often couldn't get help with his math problems due to the large class size.

Parents are also questioning the board's decision to reduce staffing when there's a waiting list of families eager to enroll their children. Archer Pechawis, a parent, criticized the board for violating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, noting that The Grove School has a higher Indigenous student population than the city average.

Diane Simon, another parent, called the Ford government’s actions disappointing, while Parkdale High Park MPP Alexa Gilmour stated that the government is turning its back on students. The TDSB informed families that they cannot reconsider the decision, citing the impracticality of altering staffing at just one of 474 elementary schools.

The board argues that with only 85 students across three grades, they cannot provide a full-time teacher for each class. Parents intend to keep pushing the board to reverse the decision and address the concerns raised.