SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Algoma District school board is commending the province's decision to give out-of-work education workers the option to help on the frontlines of the pandemic.

On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford announced they will be able to voluntarily help at hospitals, long-term care homes, shelters and other frontline facilities.

"I'm impressed, I think it's a creative way of allowing people to respond to a need and helping them out in the process," said board chair Jennifer Sarlo.

The government says volunteers will be eligible for Ontario's pandemic pay and emergency child care. They will also receive training and safety equipment.

"I think we have tons of people in our educational system that really want to help out," Sarlo said. "These are caring people that just want to do their part during what is a very difficult time."

The redeployment of education workers has been approved by all four trustees' associations and provincial unions.

Those looking to apply, will be able to do so online.