London Catholic school board facing criticism over proposed cuts to education staff

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The union representing education workers at the London District Catholic School Board says it is raising concerns over proposed staffing cuts it calls “devastating and unnecessary.”

In a statement Tuesday, CUPE Local 4186 said the board is proposing to eliminate four designated early childhood educator positions, 11 chaplain roles and up to three cafeteria positions.

The union said the cuts come despite what it describes as rising enrolment, increasing student needs and higher provincial funding.

“These proposed cuts are devastating, completely unacceptable, and entirely unnecessary,” said CUPE 4186 president Tracey Cooper in the release. “Our schools are already understaffed, and students, families and workers are feeling the impact every day. Eliminating positions that provide direct support to students will only make conditions worse.”

CUPE 4186 also said it is concerned about the proposed elimination of nearly 18.8 full-time equivalent elementary library technician positions, which it said would reduce access to library services, literacy supports and learning resources.

“These workers are valued members of our school communities,” the union said. “Contracting out these positions reduces job security and weakens the relationships students and families rely on.”

CTV News reached out to the Catholic board for comment and was told, “There are some inaccuracies in the CUPE news release,” but wouldn’t expand on what the alleged inaccuracies are.

CTV News is seeking clarification from the school board.