London Catholic school board facing criticism over proposed cuts to education staff

CUPE is raising concerns as the union says job are at risk at the London District Catholic School Board.

The union representing education workers at the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB) says it is raising concerns over proposed staffing cuts it calls “devastating and unnecessary.”

In statements issued Tuesday, CUPE Local 4186 and the school board both addressed proposed staffing cuts.

The school board said there is “potential” for a reduction of 18.8 FTE librarians across the district, and moving forward, librarians may support more than one school.

CUPE said the board recently confirmed it is proposing the elimination of four designated early childhood educator positions, up to three cafeteria staff positions and 11 chaplain positions.

In a statement from the school, they said there will be no cuts to the chaplaincy positions as that role will be elevated to a professional leadership position.

In addition, they said, “Due to current JK/SK numbers, up to five FTE positions will be declared surplus at the end of the school year. Once enrolment numbers are confirmed over the summer, some or all of those employees will foreseeably be called back.”

The LDCSB added that there is potential for a reduction of two cafeteria workers at one secondary school as the school board is looking to outsource the function to a third party.

“School boards in Ontario have been tasked with ensuring funds are directly supporting students in classrooms. School boards are making budgetary decisions to align resources with student needs,” the school board said in a statement.

The union said the cuts come despite what it describes as rising enrolment, increasing student needs and higher provincial funding.

“These proposed cuts are devastating, completely unacceptable, and entirely unnecessary,” said CUPE 4186 president Tracey Cooper in the release. “Our schools are already understaffed, and students, families and workers are feeling the impact every day. Eliminating positions that provide direct support to students will only make conditions worse.”

“These workers are valued members of our school communities,” the union said. “Contracting out these positions reduces job security and weakens the relationships students and families rely on.”

With files from CTV News London’s Ashley Hyshka