The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is set to eliminate approximately 33 high school teaching positions due to lower-than-expected student enrollment. The board is projecting a shortfall of around 350 students for the second semester, leading to nearly $2 million in savings.
Acting Board Chair Bill Tucker explained that the decline in enrollment is linked to the stagnant housing market, with fewer families moving to larger homes. While full-time, permanent teachers are not expected to be affected, occasional teachers may lose work opportunities.
John Bernans, President of OSSTF District 11, expressed concern over the job insecurity faced by occasional teachers, who often rely on daily assignments or long-term vacancies. Bernans also warned that class sizes would increase, and smaller programs may be cut, potentially affecting the quality of education.
Tucker acknowledged that the impact could extend beyond the classroom, possibly disrupting extracurricular activities such as coaching and field trips.
TVDSB is currently facing a $16-million budget deficit and is looking at ways to generate revenue, including selling surplus properties. The board continues to work with the Ministry of Education to address the financial challenges.
The board’s 27 high school principals will decide which teachers will be impacted before the new semester. The OSSTF District 11 represents about 1,700 permanent teachers and 1,000 occasional teachers.
Written by: C. Soares