Canada’s largest school board says it expects to cut just under 300 teaching jobs this fall, not more than 600 as a union has claimed. The Toronto District School Board says the changes are part of its yearly staffing review and are mainly due to declining enrolment, with about 5,000 fewer students expected this school year. Officials add the final number could still change before September.
The Elementary Teachers of Toronto disagrees, calling the cuts “devastating” and warning they could lead to larger class sizes and fewer supports for students. The union claims more than 600 positions could be affected, including teachers in specialized programs.
Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra says the reductions are tied to lower student numbers and include positions that were already unfilled, not current classroom teachers.
The union and opposition Ontario NDP argue the cuts will hurt students—especially those who need extra help—and are calling on the province to increase education funding.
