Police cruisers are posted outside an Ottawa high school Wednesday as teacher job action threatens to spread to elementary schools.
After small fires were set Monday and Tuesday at South Carleton High School, police are stepping up their presence in the face of reduced supervision from teachers.
“The cafeteria, they have police there and outside the door; we’re not allowed to have bags in there, rules are tightened,” said student Matt Cole.
“It's just strange to have police in your school walking around, watching what people are doing because you feel kind of worried something will go on while they're here.”
Many high school teachers, upset with the provincial anti-strike wage freeze bill, are taking action by refusing to supervise students outside the classroom, amongst other tactics.
The Ottawa Carleton board voted Tuesday night to give staff the power to close schools if the situation becomes unsafe for students.
“South Carleton has been under close watch,” said Jennifer McKenzie, chair of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.
“We've put a lot of resources into that school and we’re continuing to monitor the situation there.”
“It's just some people acting immaturely, taking advantage of the situation,” said student Leila Attar. “I think it's stupid how they're acting, quite frankly.”
The job action is also threatening to spread to elementary schools.
The Ottawa-Carleton Elementary Teachers Federation will be in a legal strike position in 16 days, with Education Minister Laurel Broten saying she’s closely watching that situation.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Claudia Cautillo
