This is not one possible future of Ontario public schools...

This is the reality of our here and now. There is a massive disparity between schools in poor or working class neighbourhoods and schools in wealthier neighbourhoods in Ontario. That's a fact. I think that the whole idea of schools individually fundraising should be outlawed and that instead, there should a common pot where all monies go in order to be redistributed as needed with priority given to schools in working class and poor neighbourhoods.

Fundraising could lead to ‘have’ and ‘have-not’ schools, group warns

A parent-led group says schools in Ontario raised over half a billion dollars through fundraising, fees, corporate donations and other charges over the past academic year, but not all institutions are raking in the cash.

In a report released today, People for Education says the level of fundraising in the 2009-2010 year varied from school to school — ranging from nothing to $200,000 — and it fears this could lead to a system of “have” and “have-not” schools.

The report says parents continue to raise funds for traditional items, such as graduation ceremonies and student awards, but over half of student councils also report raising funds for basics such as computers, classroom supplies and text books.

Money is also raised for things like building renovations, and fees are also reported to be rising for activities like field trips and sports.

The group says as school-generated funds become entrenched in school budgets, it will become more difficult for schools to go without this private funding.

It says the provincial government needs to outline what things should be available to all students in every school, at no extra charge.

“Ninety-five per cent of Ontario's students attend publicly funded schools,” says Annie Kidder, executive director of People for Education.

“We need a vision for education in Ontario that goes beyond test score targets and instead describes a strong system, fully-funded and able to provide every student with the education he or she needs to be successful in the 21st century.”