The union representing instructional support staff at the Halifax Regional School board says 27 library positions will be affected by the cuts announced this week.
Ian Wilson, president of CUPE Local 5047, says, “While the cuts represent the equivalent of eight full-time Library Support Specialists, it will take the form of reductions in hours to 27 staff.
“We have also been told by the Board that we will be losing four full-time, permanent Educational Program Assistants from the behavioural teams,” explains Wilson, “despite an actual increase in enrollment of special needs students.”
Says Wilson, “Ask any teacher – or any parent, for that matter – and they will tell you that Library Support Specialists are an essential part of the learning process for educational staff and students.
“Despite what the education minister may be claiming, these cuts are going to have a direct impact on students’ learning. Education is not limited to the four walls of a classroom in a school setting,” says Wilson.