By Rosalind Russell – The Huron Superior Roman Catholic School Board has made staffing cuts as part of the upcoming budget, but the news does not sit well with two unions.
In a joint statement, both CUPE 4148 and the Ontario School Board Council of Unions are warning the reductions will further strain already understaffed schools and reduce support for students with increasingly complex needs.
According to CUPE 4148, the board plans to eliminate just over 20 positions for the upcoming school year, adding that the board had already cut 70 positions.
Most of the positions cut are education assistants and custodial staff.
In response, the board states its priority remains ensuring students continue to receive the resources and supports they need and that they continue to prioritize Special Education by exceeding the Ministry of Education Special Education funding allocation.
The board adds that staffing decisions are made based on a careful review of current student needs, program delivery requirements, overall staffing capacity, available funding and projected changes in student enrolment.
The board says it will continue to monitor enrolment throughout the rest of the summer, as that may change the cuts based on registrations and other adjustments.
The board has cited declining enrolment and reduced funding as the reasons for the cuts. However, enrolment is projected to decline by just 18 students across the board next year, while provincial funding is expected to increase by approximately 2.6 percent, representing roughly $2.3 million in additional funding.
Photo provided by HSRCSB
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