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HB NEWS SCHOOL BOARD RESPONDS TO MPPS' ACCUSATIONS The Halton District School Board has issued a response to a joint statement by Halton MPPs, which accused the hoard of abdicating its responsibilities in lealing with an Oakville teacher contro- versy. Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford, Oak- ville North—Burlington MPP Effie Trian- tatllopoules and Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre sai e board had a responsibility to ovale a a safe place to learn and ha failed to put the interests and safety of stu- ents first. Their Feb. 28 statement came in the wake of escalating threats of violence against an Oakville high school for the overtly sexual attire worn by a teacher and. the HDSB's stance that the teacher } is pro- tected by human rights legislatio1 est priority is the safety ofour students. iEwefelt students were in harm's ‘way — we would not allow our schools to open. But classes are being attended, stu- dents are working respectfully with their teachers, and we have not seen any chang- es in attendance — all classes are well-at- a “Our highest priority is the safety of our students. If we felt students were in harm's way - we would not allow our schools to open.” — HDSB statement tended. Despite reports online, they con- tinue to attend class, learn and work to- gether toward their goals for the semes- ter," reads the HDSB statement. The HDSB “has high standards and high expectations of the educators who work in allour schools," the statement con- tinued. The statement also addressed the re- cent introduction by the board of a draft professionalism policy requested in Janu- it the March Graham Paine/ Metroland The Halton District School Board has issued a response to a recent statement of criticism by three Halton MPPs. 1 board meeting. The board is currently tonaulting with parents, s students and em- ployees on the draft policy through a sur- vey. Trustees will review feedback and vote on the policy at the March 22 board eeting. “The professionalism policy, of which a draft has been prepared, will consolidate and affirm existing expectations regard- ing staff; hool setting: —and at school-based activities." “We take immense pride in the inclu- siveness, compassion and respect for equi- ty and inclusion that our students and their families have demonstrated during this time. We will continue to prioritize students by setting an example of a board that is inclusive, accepting, and rooted in the belief of upholding human rights for everyone that is a part of this community,” said the statement. CRIME CRASH LEAVES CYCLIST DEAD BAMBANG SADEWO bsadewo@metroland.com Acyclist has died after being struck by a driver in Oakville late Thursday, March 9 morning. Police responded to the collision at Up- per Middle Road, just west of Eighth Line, in Oakville around 11a.m. Police said a grey, four-door vehicle was being driven eastbound on Upper Middle Road when it hit a cyclist that was travel- cyclist was rushed to a local hospital with life-threat- ening inj da time later due to the injuries, police said. Police have not released the identity of the deceased. The driver of th i the scene and eerie with investigators. The crash is now being investigated by the police’ 's Collision Reconstruction Unit. mn police are requesting that any witnesses to this collision or any residents who may be in possession of video surveil- lance footage in the area of Eighth Line and Upper Middle Road contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 905-825-4747, ext. 5065. We're reducing wait times for surgeries. See all the ways we're helping you connect to care at ontario.ca/YourHealth Paid for by the Government of Ontario Ontario 7] £202 ‘9 YOIEW ‘Aepsinys | soneem OMIAHEO |Z woo-uoy}EYyapIsUl