Hamilton public school board budget cuts 43 jobs for now
The Hamilton public school board's budget for the coming school year cuts 43 jobs, although at least half will likely be restored once $3 million in unspent provincial COVID-19 funding is allocated in June.
Set to go to trustees for final approval on May 30, the $625-million budget increases spending by just over $7 million, or 1.14 per cent, mostly reflecting a projected 483-student jump in enrolment.
Job cuts include 38.4 elementary teachers and 13 early childhood educators, positions no longer funded by this year's emergency use of $7.7 million in board reserves to try to limit COVID-19's spread by reducing elementary class sizes.
Also gone are 17 custodial positions for enhanced school cleaning during the pandemic.
The job losses are partially offset by new hires, including an extra 14 high school teachers due to a projected 194 increase in students as well as additional math and co-operative education courses.
The cuts would be deeper without a one-time $7.1 million learning recovery grant.
Associate director Stacey Zucker said about $4 million of the grant is already allocated, with most of it preserving positions to keep elementary class sizes smaller than the provincial standard - albeit bigger than this year.
Senior administration is still determining how to spend the rest, she said, but potential uses include instrumental music programs and supports for special education, Grade 9 destreaming, remote learning and enhanced school cleaning.
It will be really good news for our students moving forward," Zucker told trustees on the board's finance and facilities committee at their May 5 online meeting.
It probably equates to 25 to 40 additional positions, depending on the type of position that's being added."
Along with 14 high school teachers, the budget adds nine child youth care practitioners, including one dedicated to a Safe Schools elementary gateway program, one secondary vice-principal and an elementary office position.
It also hires an extra 6.5 professionals and paraprofessionals, including a fourth graduation coach, social worker to support Black youth, human rights program co-ordinator, mental health co-ordinator, freedom-of-information assistant and two support staff for specialized services.
Other job increases include an administrative employee for safe intervention and violence prevention and seven positions to support the human resources and business services departments.
Committee chair Cam Galindo said the board has made many tough decisions during the pandemic, but he's hopeful the budget is an indication of better times ahead."
For the first time in my term, as we look to approve this budget, I'm feeling confident, I'm feeling excited," the Stoney Creek trustee said, praising staff for their hard work.
It's an embodiment of our values," he said. I will be popping some sparkling wine."