TDSB: Reconsider the Involuntary Transfers of Three Valued Educators from Park Lawn Junior Middle School.

Park Lawn School is not simply losing three teaching positions. It is simultaneously losing instructional leadership in mathematics, mentorship for vulnerable students, leadership of extracurricular programs, support for Grade 8 transitions, and hundreds of volunteer hours that contribute directly to student achievement, belonging, engagement, and well-being. 

While these losses may not be captured by institutional staffing formulas, their impact is felt daily by our students. Our children cannot be reduced to statistical projections; they are learners, athletes, and leaders who require stable, supportive relationships to thrive.

We, the undersigned parents, students, alumni, and community members of Park Lawn JMS, respectfully call upon the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to reconsider the involuntary transfers of three highly valued educators from our school community which is in direct opposition to the Board’s public commitment to improving student achievement, strengthening mathematics outcomes, advancing equity, supporting student well-being, fostering belonging, increasing student engagement, and building positive school climates. 

(The Image shows one of the impacted teachers, Mr. Yablonski, with his students.)

THE CUMULATIVE IMPACT WILL DEAL A MASSIVE BLOW TO OUR STUDENTS

While staffing decisions are often made one position at a time, students experience their effects collectively. The loss of these three educational leaders at the same time fundamentally changes the capacity of the school to support students, which the Board may not be aware of.

Collectively, these educators provide leadership in mathematics, science, student mentorship, athletics, extracurricular programs, intermediate student transition and graduation support, thereby creating conditions that allow students to thrive both academically and socially. They serve as coaches, role models, instructional leaders, and trusted adults for hundreds of students across multiple grade levels. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom as they support the broader functioning and success of the school community. 

1. Mr. Matt Yablonski has built a deep and lasting bond with the entire school community. He stands as a massive positive role model for all of our boys and girls, embodying the exact kind of mentorship our kids need right now. Mr. Yablonski is not only an outstanding Grade 6 educator but also currently serves as the Math Lead and has participated in specialized mathematics professional learning to strengthen instructional practice and support student achievement. Park Lawn's designation as an MLP2 school reflects a deliberate Board investment in strengthening mathematics, and removing a teacher who serves this goal risks weakening continuity of improvement initiatives and diminishing the return on that investment.
   Beyond the classroom, his impact is invaluable as he dedicates countless volunteer hours coaching Track and Field, Cross Country, Basketball, Slo-Pitch Baseball, and other activities. He is a trusted mentor and role model whose loss will be felt by hundreds of students across the school.
2. Mr. Mark Sidler is an outstanding Grade 5 educator known for his ability to engage, motivate, and support students. His commitment extends well beyond the instructional day through leadership of Volleyball, Flag Football, and other extracurricular opportunities. His enthusiasm, energy, and dedication contribute significantly to the positive culture of the school.
3. Ms. Sara Dow plays a critical role in supporting students during their final year at Park Lawn. As a Grade 8 educator, she helps guide students through an important transition period while also dedicating extensive volunteer hours to Track and Field, Cross Country, and school-wide initiatives. Her leadership and commitment help prepare students academically, socially, and emotionally for their next stage.

REPLACING EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS BASED ON EARLY PROJECTIONS SETS STUDENTS BACK

Parents are concerned, from experience, that Park Lawn School will ultimately experience enrollment levels that exceed current projections, creating larger class sizes or requiring additional staffing adjustments later in the year. If enrollment ultimately exceeds projections, the Board will be required to reallocate staffing resources or recruit additional educators after experienced staff have already been involuntarily transferred.

We respectfully ask that staffing decisions reflect not only projected numbers but also the broader impact on school communities and protect the invaluable relationships, institutional knowledge, leadership experience, and volunteer commitments that these three teachers already bring.

COMMUNITY VOICE MATTERS: WE STAND TOGETHER FOR SCHOOL STABILITY ( ~560+ student families)

When the mechanical application of a staffing formula results in the simultaneous removal of multiple highly engaged educators from a thriving school community, it is reasonable to ask whether sufficient consideration has been given to the broader impact on students.

Families should have confidence that decisions affecting their children are being evaluated not only through numerical projections, but through the lens of student well-being, educational stability, equity, and long-term school success.

WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE TDSB:

To work collaboratively with school leadership staff to identify a solution that keeps these valued educators where they are needed most: supporting the students and families of Park Lawn Junior Middle School.

• Reconsider the involuntary transfers of these educators and explore all available staffing options to retain them at Park Lawn JMS.
• Pause implementation of the transfers until enrollment projections, school programming impacts, and creative staffing alternatives have been reviewed.
• Consider the cumulative impact of removing multiple instructional leaders, mentors, coaches, and extracurricular contributors.
• Consider the educational and financial implications of removing educators who hold specialized instructional responsibilities and who the Board has already invested in.
• Prioritize continuity of learning, student well-being, school connectedness, equity, and educational stability when making staffing decisions.

Do not make our children casualties of a staffing formula.

Students deserve stability. Schools deserve continuity. Communities deserve a voice.

Respectfully submitted,

The Park Lawn Junior Middle School Community