Laid off CBE teachers learn what’s next for them

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The union representing teachers in the province held a meeting Monday night to provide information to the more than 300 temporary teachers who were laid off by the Calgary Board of Education.

Public schools are looking to make up a $32-million shortfall resulting in students to lose their former teachers and get sucked into larger classrooms by next year.

The meeting mainly focused on what the next steps are for those temporary teachers who have been laid off, specifically what it means for their contracts and benefits.

RELATED: 300 temporary teaching jobs to be cut by CBE

“Once their contracts have expired they can look for work elsewhere,” said Jason Schilling, President of the Alberta Teachers Association. “They could sub for the city, they could find other opportunities within the region to go out and work in other schools.”

Schilling added a majority of teachers affected by the cuts are fresh from university, putting a heavy burden on those who are paying student loans.

NDP Opposition Critic for Education Sarah Hoffman also attended the meeting, saying she hopes the United Conservative Party will reverse the cuts.

“The budget hasn’t passed yet. The easiest thing to do is for the government to amend their budget, to restore education funding to keep the promises they made during the elections,” said Hoffman.

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A financial audit of CBE has been launched by Education Minister Adriana LaGrange, who called the board’s move to slash jobs “irresponsible.”

The UCP is awaiting the results of the audit and looking into if it can reverse the cuts.