Catholic school board cuts 24 jobs

May 02, 2008 - 11:19

By Jeanne Beneteau

NORTHUMBERLAND - On the heels of its public counterpart, the local Catholic school board has handed out teacher lay-off notices due to declining enrolment.

On April 30, 24 Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board teachers received notices effective Sept. 1 from their respective principals, stated board chairwoman Christine Dunn.

Based on a projected decline of 433 students for the 2008/09 school year, Ms. Dunn said the PVNC board had no choice but to declare the teachers surplus.

“If we don’t, the board will not be able to cover our costs,” she said.

The province funds school boards on a per-student basis, Ms. Dunn explained. In past years, spots left vacant by retirements, plus provincial caps lowering the number of students allowed in the elementary grades, allowed PVNC to retain teachers. But this year, with less pupils and fewer teachers retiring, the board must cut staff levels., she noted.

Earlier this month, the Kawartha Pine Ridge (KPR) District School Board issued pink slips to 90 teachers, citing an estimated 1,000 fewer students for the coming school year as the cause.

PVNC Director of Education John Mackle stated the board regrets that the action is necessary and acknowledges and values the commitment and dedication of all teachers.

However, should September enrolment exceed projections and additional classes are opened, the redundant teachers will be recalled as needed, Mr. Mackle concluded.

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