CUPE brings attention to the cost of education

Educational Assistant Beth Pitt joined fellow CUPE workers outdside The Board of Education on Anne St. in Belleville an hour before the board's scheduled meeting. The provincial government's slashing of education funding means support staff jobs are being cut as a means of reaching a balanced budget in the Hastings and Prince Edward district. Photo by Gail Paquette

By Gail Paquette

CUPE workers armed with signs reading ‘Cuts Hurt Kids’ chanted the same slogan at the Board of Education office at 15 Anne Street, Belleville, Monday night.On the agenda of the scheduled board meeting that evening was the acceptance of a balanced $215 million budget for capital and operating costs of the Hastings and Prince Edward School Board.

Part of presenting a balanced budget means redundancy for educational assistants, custodial and clerical staff and library technicians come September.

The Director of Education Rob McGall said it is reduced enrollment that is to blame for the job cuts.

“Enrollment may be down but kids with special needs are not,” said Laura Brown educational assistant.

Brown is also the mother of a special needs child, whose success over the last three years is much accredited to the support staff, she said.

“My son has made too much progress and come too far. Without sufficient EA’s in the classrooms I’m so afraid he will not get the support he needs and will return to a crisis state,” said Brown.

“Cuts of EA positions will reduce the support needed to succeed at school and children’s safety and health will be compromised with fewer custodial and clerical staff,” said Donna Howes president of Local 1022.

“School boards are funded by the provincial government and the funding formula is based on enrollment,” said McGall.

Enrollment has seen a steady decline of 5000 in the past ten years said Kerry Donnell, board representative.

“We are not saying that the board does not have a difficult decision,” said Howes. “They are only given so much money and it is not enough.”