Preliminary budget analysis indicates that the CBE will be facing a $61.7M shortfall for the next school year. Given that approximately 75% of the budget is tied to permanent staffing (salaries and benefits), layoffs are pretty much a certainty. This will have an impact on the classroom. This will have an impact on students.
Boards throughout the province are reporting similar challenges.
The funding increase to education in the provincial budget, primarily directed at the province's contractual agreement to teachers, is offset by cuts to other educational programming. The funding shortfall of $61.7M includes $16.4 million in unfunded budget commitments carried over from the previous year that continue into this year, and $45.3M in additional salary and other mandatory cost increases - neither of which is funded by this provincial budget.
CAPSC will be following the budget process closely so check back often for updates. The CBE has also set up a web resource dedicated to the budget.
If you wish to discuss the situation with your MLA, you can find all the necessary contact information here.
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