The Yukon Party says it hopes Education Minister Jeanie McLean will respond to the many issues facing the education system.

“The Hidden Valley Elementary School Community has been asking for supports for over a year as they recover from the sexual abuse that occurred at their school,” the official Opposition said Tuesday.

“How is the minister ensuring the school is fully staffed? As requested by the school council, is a full-time vice-principal as well as a clinical counsellor in place? Is this school community getting the adequate support as promised by the minister?”

Across the Yukon, the Yukon Party added, “schools are facing shortages with teachers, educational assistants and teachers on call, as well as a lack of overall support. Some students who arrived to begin the school year found they did not have a teacher and were sent home.

“Other students discovered an educational assistant or learning assistance teacher at the head of the classroom, leaving vulnerable students without the supports they require.”

Major infrastructure projects were not completed in time for the start of school at Elijah Smith Elementary, Hidden Valley Elementary School and École Selkirk Elementary, the party pointed out.

“There has been an overall lack of communication and non-response from the minister to questions from various schools communities about these many issues.”

Recently, Ted Hupé, the president of the Yukon Association of Educational Professionals, publicly said “there is no plan” for the education system, the Yukon Party noted, and, with regard to unfilled staff positions, “he has never seen a situation like this before.

“The president also called on the government to step up recruitment efforts.

“The comments come as teachers are pressing the government to resolve disputes around back pay and layoffs and recalls,” the Yukon Party said.

“It is high time the minister of Education address these critical issues facing students, teachers, school staff, parents and the entire education system.”

Asked about the official Opposition’s concerns, the Liberal cabinet issued this statement:

“With school back in, it appears the Yukon Party is also back to work spreading misinformation and division.

“All Yukon schools are open and classes are running as intended. We are not aware of any students being sent home from school for lack of available staff.

“There are teacher shortages across Canada. Thankfully, here in the Yukon, the number of teacher vacancies continues to decline, the number of teachers on call continues to rise, and we do not anticipate a long-term need for non-enrolling staff to fill teaching roles.”