CBE to cut up to 48 jobs

‘Difficult decisions’ by board will see 271 support staff shift positions or be laid off

Up to 48 support staff — including educational assistants, librarians and lunchroom supervisors — could be out of a job when classes start this fall because of “difficult decisions” the Calgary Board of Education says it’s been forced to make.

“Every year the CBE makes adjustments to staff levels as a result of enrolment changes, retirements, staff returning from leaves and the annual budget process. We make decisions about staffing based on our values and where we predict resources will be needed in the upcoming year,” said CBE spokeswoman Megan Geyer.

“We work to keep the focus of the funds we receive on students and our core business of teaching and learning. Unfortunately, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions this year that have resulted in impacts to our staff.”

According to CBE officials, 271 support staff have been identified for either transfers or layoffs. At the same time, there are only about 223 anticipated support staff vacancies to fill for the coming year. Any other positions will be filled based on need at individual schools and whether enrolments change unexpectedly.

“Vacant positions are filled in accordance with the terms of our collective agreement; some staff will transfer to positions at different sites. Some staff may choose not to apply for a transfer and others will be laid off,” Geyer said.

Kevin Kempt, spokesman for the Calgary Public Teachers Local 38 of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, said all support staff are extremely important to teachers, particularly educational assistants who support students with special needs.

“Teachers really value their educational assistants. Without them, teachers won’t have as much time to spend with all of their students.”

Kempt said classrooms within the CBE are becoming increasingly complex and teachers need as much support as possible.

Lisa Davis, candidate for public school trustee in Wards 6 and 7, says as she continues door-knocking in her area, parents are saying they want to maintain classroom and school supports.

“It’s a grave concern. Students

Students with additional needs are really struggling to get the time they need with educational assistants.

with additional needs are really struggling to get the time they need with educational assistants,” she said. “We need to protect frontline funding.”

After a series of controversial changes to school fees this spring, Education Minister David Eggen said he will launch an operational review of the CBE’s finances this summer, wanting to be sure the CBE is properly spending more than $1 billion in public funding.

Tensions between the NDP government and the CBE started to run high this spring after the CBE proposed major hikes in busing fees, particularly for students in alternative programs, which would see some pay as much as $700 to ride the bus to school.

The operational review, scheduled to be conducted in mid-August, will take a comprehensive look at CBE’s financial records on spending, including the board system and administration, trustee spending, head office staffing levels and facility costs.