Algoma District School Board Chair Jennifer Sarlo answers questions regarding the situation involving elementary and secondary teachers following Tuesday’s board meeting:

It was announced on Tuesday that elementary school teachers in the province could perform job action as early as this Monday. That action would come in the form of an administrative strike should a new deal not be reached. But Algoma District School Board Chair Jennifer Sarlo does not anticipate any strike action at the secondary elementary level as local talks continue with the teachers…

Sarlo would not elaborate on any provincial issues that are on the table. She did mention that elementary teachers union reps have expressed concern about staffing and clauses in some of the agreements with the public board. Three school boards in the province already have secondary school teachers on the picket lines. The elementary action would primarily affect professional development. As talks continue at the local level, Sarlo was asked if there is any influence from the province regarding what can and can not be negotiated…

When asked about what parents and students can expect if there is job action on Monday, Sarlo answered that she does not anticipation any such action. Sarlo insists she does anticipate any labour issues coming at the secondary level. The focus has moved on to resolving any dispute with teachers at the elementary level, while informing parents on what’s going on…

Sarlo adds there will likely be a letter for parents this week, explaining what the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario situation means and what affect it will have on the classroom. She could not immediately say what effect would result should any job or strike actions carry on to the end of the school year.