TDSB school safety report falls short, critics say

A Toronto District School Board report on school safety ignores big-picture issues that lead to violence in schools, critics say.

The 62-page document, School Safety and Engaged Communities, was released Wednesday night in response to the stabbing death of 19-year-old Hamid Aminzada at North Albion Collegiate Institute in September.

Its 41 recommendations include tighter security measures such as locking mechanisms and upgrades to CCTV cameras, increased hallway supervision and improvements to social supports in school.

But youth outreach worker Chris Penrose said the report doesn’t address how income disparity and the lack of opportunities in some communities create a climate where students turn to violence.

“If you want a safe school, you need a healthy community,” Penrose told the Star.  (more...)

TDSB school safety report falls short, critics say