High school students walk out of class in North Bay

We told you earlier about a student walkout planned for today (Thursday) at North Bay High Schools.

At St. Joseph-Scollard Hall the walkout was led by Sam McKinley.

She was delighted that 200 of her fellow students took part.

“As you can see and hear the students are frustrated with the cuts. They’re upset that it seems their government is not listening to them. Many will be voting in the next election,” she says.

She says the walkout was held across the city because the students are upset about a planned 20 % cut to high school funding in the next 4 years.

Other issues for the students include opposition to mandatory e-learning

“Differently abled students aren’t equipped to handle e-learning. Everyone learns differently, I can’t handle e-learning and I need the teacher to student connection and that will be lost,” McKinley says.

She says students are also concerned about cuts to the Ontario Student Assistance Program or OSAP.

McKinley says it’s a good thing that students are taking an interest in their education.

“It’s important for students to get involved in the community. We are the future and the leaders of tomorrow. And it’s very important to have our voices heard in the community,” McKinley says.

In a social media post, MPP Vic Fedeli claimed teachers and unions were encouraging and helping with the walkout, saying they’re using the students as pawns.

He says the government is focusing on the real challenges facing the education system.

McKinley says.