Over 360 Peel teachers will no longer have permanent positions next year

More than 360 teachers who work with the Peel District School Board were given notice they will no longer have permanent positions heading into the new school year.

To date, the district’s board has “regretfully” informed 369 teachers they won’t have their positions after August 31, 2019.

This includes 176 elementary and 193 secondary teachers, Jamie Robertson, Superintendent of Human Resources Support Service, Peel District School Board, confirmed to Daily Hive.

“That includes 48 elementary teachers who were informed previously in the year and 128 who were informed yesterday,” said Robertson.

Roberston added that secondary teachers were informed on Tuesday. Additionally, 30 designated early childhood educators were also informed of the same news earlier this school year.

The job cuts are a result of  “changes to class sizes, cuts in local priorities funding, and other reductions in funding,” said Robertson.

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This news comes amidst Education Minister Lisa Thompson calling the cuts “an annual exercise.”

However, Mike Bettiol of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation’s District 19, said the cuts are: “not routine.”

“Your plan assures four years of fewer teachers, fewer support staff, and fewer programs for students. How does that help students to succeed?” said Bettiol.

Stan Cameron, Caledon’s Peel District School Board Trustee, said the board is “hopeful the [government] will deliver on their promise to provide us with funding to recall these teachers.”

This is a difficult time for @Peelschools. Yesterday, Surplus to Region notices were sent to teachers who contribute in so many ways to the success & well-being of students. We’re hopeful the govt will deliver on their promise to provide us with funding to recall these teachers.

— Stan Cameron (@StanCameron) April 17, 2019

Last month, the Ford government announced the average class size in grades 9 through 12 will increase from 22 students to 28 students while average class sizes in grades 4 through 8 will go from 23 students to 24 students.

Additionally, the Conservatives confirmed the provincial ban on cellphones in classrooms, along with a new math and sex education curriculum.