The Rocky View School (RVS) Board will be reducing its operating budget by $5.03 million.
The decision came after the government of Alberta’s announcement to reduce school boards’ instructional and transportation grants for the remainder of the school year.
“Recognizing the changing landscape as we move to an at-home learning environment, we will reduce staffing by $3.46 million and transportation by $1.57 million beginning this spring,” said Board Chair Fiona Gilbert.
“Upon thorough consideration of the government’s announcement, our board has decided to repurpose all central funds originally allocated for substitute teachers, end nearly 50 support staff temporary contracts, as well as temporarily layoffs of 240 support staff effective May 10.”
The layoffs will include select Education Centre support staff, school-based learning commons staff, and receptionists.
In order to support student learning and services for families, approximately 50 per cent of RVS’ learning assistants will be retained, while the balance will be temporarily laid off.
“Volunteer layoffs, too, will be investigated in the coming weeks to mitigate these staff layoffs,” Gilbert said.
Staff on temporary layoff will have the option to maintain health, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance with the board paying the premiums.
As asked by the government, transportation costs will be reduced for the months of April, May, and June, by $1.75 million.
Bus contracts are also being renegotiated in response to funding reductions.
RVS is incredibly proud of how the staff has responded to challenging times while supporting students, families, and one another.
“We value each staff member and are saddened by these temporary layoffs,” said Gilbert.
“We look forward to having our full team back when schools reopen, and students return,” she added.
