Board cuts lead to reduced services in Peterborough schools
PETERBOROUGH, ON – On the heels of the McGuinty budget, school boards across the province are finding themselves without the resources to keep schools open and maintain staff levels, resulting in fewer services for children, families and communities.
In the last decade, Ontario’s education system was transformed to become one of the best in the world – but those accomplishments are now threatened by provincial budget education cuts of over $500 million dollars in the next three years.
“Funding cuts across the province are going to impact the quality of education in Ontario schools,” said CUPE 1453 President Rita Collins. “The Liberals are working hard promoting full day learning and trying to turn attention away from an economic crisis they created but unfortunately, our students and schools are going to feel them in the fall.”
The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) announced it will be hit with a $2.4 million shortfall this year resulting in layoffs to its library staff. CUPE 1453 members, who work as library support specialists at the board, have already received layoff notices. With at least ten fewer staff, Peterborough school libraries will be hard pressed to provide the school library services students rely on, limiting their access to invaluable resources that assist with individual learning and enrich students’ learning experience.
“Fewer library support specialists means students will have reduced access to the supports needed to succeed at school,” said Collins. “We need to advocate for proper education funding to ensure the best future for Ontario’s students. Staffing cuts in schools mean fewer services for kids. It’s that simple.”
Given that many school boards are already dealing with funding shortages, McGuinty’s budget cuts to education are coming at a time when school services are already under pressure and families need the government’s support the most.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees represents over 50,000 school board workers across the province of Ontario. The province’s education staff work in our schools every day and provide quality services to our children, families and communities.
For more information, please contact:
Rita Collins, CUPE 1453 President: (705) 872-2679
Grant Darling, CUPE National Representative: (705) 743-0600
Marjorie Savoie, CUPE Communications: (613) 864-9924