The Toronto District School Board has voted to eliminate more than 250 teaching jobs, including special education and English as a Second Language positions.
The decision was made at a meeting Wednesday night as the school board approved a balanced budget plan to address a projected deficit of $16.5 million for the 2015-2016 school year.
According to TDSB chair Shaun Chen, 256.5 teaching positions were cut. Of those, 88 are elementary school positions, while 168.5 are secondary school positions.
The elementary cuts include seven regular teaching positions, 59 ESL positions, and 22 special education positions.
The secondary-levels cuts include 115.5 regular teaching positions, 34 ESL positions, and 14.5 special education positions.
The job cuts are expected to be achieved through retirement and attrition, Chen said.
“Working together, trustees and staff have come up with a responsible plan to balance next year’s operating budget,” Chen said in a released statement.
“We are now focused on addressing our capital pressures and seeking provincial support for our capital needs.”
In addition to the job cuts, the board was also considering a proposal that would see the TDSB strike a deal with the Toronto Parking Authority to rent parking spots at downtown schools after-hours.
The plan could generate an estimated $100,000 in the first year and more money in successive years.
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