The number of aggressive and violent incidents in the region’s classrooms is on the rise, again.
A total of 826 incidents were reported between April and June, according to a new report presented to the Waterloo Region District School Board on September 23.
Of those, 786 occurred in elementary schools, an increase of 176 from the same period in 2023. Forty incidences took place in secondary schools, up from 25 the year prior and 40 in secondary schools.
The report points to a lack of staffing, highlighting in particular teacher absenteeism as a major factor in the rising rates. It says the disruptions caused by lack of teachers is impacting the delivery of education within the system.