The Bluewater District School Board Board of Trustees wrote the following letter to Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, expressing their support for "a Grey Bruce approach" to reopening schools when it is deemed safe.

Dear Minister Lecce:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are reaching out to express our support for a Grey Bruce approach to reopening schools when it is deemed safe to do so by our local medical officer of health.

Our board has heard from quite a few concerned parents/guardians, who are requesting a return to in-person learning with COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place for the remainder of the current school year. With a consistent trend of low COVID-19 case numbers in our region, we agree that if deemed safe, reopening our local schools prior to the end of June is imperative to student mental health and well-being. We also recognize the difficulties faced by many of our families as they attempt to support remote learning while managing work and other responsibilities.

Our partners at Grey Bruce Public Health have advocated for an approach to reopening schools that considers the favourable circumstances unique to our area. Under their guidance, and in keeping with our successful health and safety measures, we would welcome the opportunity to once again offer in-person learning to those families who seek this option.

As always, our commitment remains focused on providing a quality education for every student in a safe, accepting, and caring environment.

Sincerely,
Jane Thomson, Chair
Jan Johnstone, Vice-Chair

The letter was sent to local media and carbon copied to MPP Bill Walker, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound; MPP Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce; Dr Ian Arra, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer, Grey Bruce Public Health; Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader, Official Opposition; Sarah Newton, Chair, School Council at Elgin Market Public School.