October 18, 2022 - The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) recognizes the importance of providing students with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom and is doing just that with continued investments in our technology shops.
Providing students with real-world learning opportunities and empowering staff to experiment with creating innovative learning experiences in their classrooms is part of the UCDSB’s overall strategic plan. As part of that, the Director’s Work Plan for the 2022-2023 school year has made enhancing school technology shops through the purchase of new equipment a priority.
To deliver on those commitments, all 22 UCDSB secondary schools will receive an additional $1,000 for the purchase of tools and materials for their school shop classrooms.
“The Board of Trustees, administration and school staff are unquestionably focused on improving our shop classes and providing students with programming and opportunities that will mimic what they will see in the workforce and in life outside of school,” explains Director of Education Ron Ferguson. “Even if students have no desire to go into a trade, knowing how to do basic repairs and use tools properly is a life skill.”
These funds will be added to school budgets, and are additional to funds already provided, so that schools can determine how to best spend the money within their technology shops.
This funding is also in addition to the $5 million that was invested in technology, equipment and furniture earlier this school year.
“It’s decisions and investments like this that have made our school board a leader in the province in Specialist High Skills Major programming,” adds Chair of the Board John McAllister.
More information about the UCDSB Strategic Plan and the Director’s Work Plan, including priority areas and goals for the 2022-2023 school year, can be found on the UCDSB website.