Students in the Upper Canada District School Board were suspended at nearly twice the provincial rate in the 2023-24 school year.
A board report found 8% of students in Grades 4 to 12 were suspended last year, well above Ontario’s 4.13%average.
More than half of those (53.5%) were high school students—and about half (49.5%) have been suspended multiple times.
Most suspensions, 78%, ranged between one to two days.
The report was not discussed at the meeting, and no specifics as to the reasons for suspensions were provided.
The UCDSB declined an interview request, but issued the following statement from Superintendent Marsha McNair.
“Suspensions are part of an overall progressive discipline process and given when students engage in inappropriate behaviour at school and that does not follow school or board code of conducts. For example, physical or verbal abuse or using or possessing substances at school.”
“At this time, we do not have a break down that we are able to share with you. While we cannot comment on the practices of other boards, we can confirm that the UCDSB is committed to providing safe and inclusive learning environments, and will continue to work with staff, students and families on restorative practices.”
Story by Grant Deme