The Seine River School Division has been able to keep most of their staff employed despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Where other divisions in the region began laying off support staff shortly after the provincial government began shutting down schools, Superintendent Michael Borgfjord says his division searched for ways of holding onto as many employees as possible.

“Before we went into classroom suspension we worked very hard at giving our support staff the opportunity to provide essential services,” states Borgfjord.

The superintendent cites two creative routes his division has taken to ensure there would be ongoing work available for the members of his team.

Once the closure of schools was announced, Borgfjord recognized that any jobs in student transportation would be rendered obsolete. In light of that, they asked a number of bus drivers to become couriers instead. Now, former bus drivers are delivering homework packages and, in some cases, nutritional lunches to the students and families who have need.

Similarily, Seine River has prioritized the role its educational assistants play in general student health. Before schools shut their doors for good, Borgfjord says all of his full-time EAs were given school-issued laptops and special training to prepare them to work alongside teachers in the world of online learning.

“This enabled EAs to follow-up with students, do check-ins, and support the kids who need extra help.”

Borgfjord notes the division has received high praise for its decision to do this. “We have been getting feedback from our schools on how this benefits the wellness of kids, benefits the education program, and benefits the wellness of our staff.”

By inventing these essential service-type roles for their employees, most of Borgfjord's staff have been able to keep their jobs during these increasingly difficult times.

Borgfjord admits that his division has not been completely devoid of layoffs, nor is he certain things will remain as they are. However, amid all that is happening, he says the Seine River School Division is committed to sustaining as many jobs as they can for as long as it is feasible.

Read more: HSD Lays Off 85% Of Their Educational Assistants