York Memorial parents set to meet as TDSB addresses safety issues at the high school

Parents at York Memorial Collegiate Institute are once again holding a special council meeting, as the Toronto District School Board takes steps to address safety issues at the high school amid walkouts and protests over deplorable conditions.

One parent spoke with CityNews, under anonymity, ahead of the meeting Wednesday night about why fears sending her child to school every day.

“My child is saying ‘They’re afraid to go to school.’ They’re not happy when they’re at school. They have to watch their back when they’re at school,” said the parent.

Students at York Memorial staged a walkout early this month, saying they have been subjected to “racial profiling, [an] unsafe learning environment, [and] police violence.” Several students gave passionate speeches about issues they face daily, including a lack of resources and support for ongoing violence in the hallways.

One student who spoke with CityNews they wake up with a feeling of dread every morning.

“Do I really want to get up? Do I really want to go to my first period anxious, worrying? Honestly, the school makes everyone miserable,” said the child.

The student said they worry about getting caught in the crossfire of a fight or some form of violence. “[I] fear that I’m going to become one of the victims.”

“It’s to the point where I’m sacrificing my future and my education … Absolutely ridiculous that I have to choose between education and my safety,” added the student.

CityNews first reported on the school being “on the brink of a crisis” in November when two staff members shared details that led to a work refusal campaign by 14 staff members.

According to the TDSB, of the 14 staff members who initiated the work refusal process, five are currently still on leave.

RELATED: Fights, guns, overdoses: Staff at York Memorial warn school on brink of crisis

The parent who spoke with CityNews says they are supportive of the teachers’ actions. “I support them. I absolutely support teachers. They should not have to be dealing with this … We have kids who are going there to cause chaos and cause violence and using the school grounds for their own purpose and not using it for learning.”

A school source tells CityNews it appears the TDSB has finally taken concerns seriously, and they are optimistic about the steps being taken by the board.

Including the appointment of a permanent administrative team that is reputable, according to the source.

The administrative team will include new principal Donald Drummond, who is currently the principal at Emery Collegiate Insititute.

Drummond visited the school earlier this week to meet with students and staff. Two new vice principals are also joining the team, Nana Bediako-Amoah from Richview Collegiate and Ammer Askary from North Albion Collegiate.

In a recent letter to parents, school officials also say they are in the process of hiring additional teachers and school support staff to begin soon.

Officials will be meeting with students starting next week and will be distributing a special survey as well.

The executive superintendent, Uton Robinson, said he is meeting with School Council Chair next week “to ensure we are being responsive to parent voices.”

A number of sources added parents have also been inquiring to move their kids to other schools, but those requests have recently reduced in numbers with the board taking positive steps towards improving the situation at York Memorial.

The parent’s meeting is set to begin at 6:45 p.m.