Administrative jobs lost due to Catholic school district cost-cutting

The Calgary Catholic School District has laid off a superintendent and cut four other administrative positions as part of a $1-million cost-cutting measure at the cashstrapped division.

Richard Svoboda, superintendent of human resources, was released from his position this week, according to a letter sent to staff.

“This action has been taken due to budgetary constraints and to act in alignment with the provincial government fiscal mandate not to target staff cuts exclusively to schools and classrooms, but to include a proportionate amount of such cuts to central office administration,” said chief superintendent Bryan Szumlas.

“It is unfortunate this had to occur, but I hope in having reviewed our budgetary situation, you understand the action that has been taken. I have always said that there will cutbacks at all levels and that we will make decisions in the best interest of our students and staff.”

In an interview with Postmedia on Thursday, Szumlas said the board has faced serious budget constraints this year, and it would not be fair to teachers and support staff to always carry the burden of those constraints.

Our district is facing significant cutbacks, and those must be shared at all levels.

“Our district is facing significant cutbacks, and those must be shared at all levels.”

Szumlas added that Svoboda’s position was one of five senior administrative posts that were cut for a saving of $1 million. The CCSD is facing a $4.9-million shortfall in its $618-million budget, balanced mainly through a draw on reserves and some cuts to administration.

The budget has also taken into account all three of the province’s return-to-school scenarios, factoring in costs associated with additional staff to support students and the provision of personal protective equipment.