UPDATED: Ward Forum: preparing for budget cuts

Update March 23, 2012 - the presentation from this meeting is now available - click here. Thank you to Trustee Moyer for sending. 

March 5, 2012 -- I attended the Ward 18 forum tonight, and although I had to leave just as it was getting interesting, I came away with this message loud and clear: there are going to be budget cuts in the TDSB next year, to the tune of more than $80 million. It's not going to be easy.

By law, the TDSB must balance its budget, and it must meet the commitments required by the Ministry of Education. There are scant few revenue sources, so the shortfall must be found in expenses. The majority of the TDSB's expenses are salaries, most of which are governed by collective agreements; the elementary teachers' contract is up for negotiation now.

School trustees are in a consultation phase now, so if you have ideas for new revenue sources or ways to cut expenses or want to stand up for a certain program, now's the time to voice your opinions to Ward 18 school board trustee Elizabeth Moyer, at 416-393-8815 or Elizabeth.moyer@tdsb.on.ca. http://trusteeelizabethmoyer.blogspot.com/.

I'll see if I can get a copy of the presentation given tonight; it contained some interesting facts. UPDATE: here is the presentation.

Trustee Moyer mentioned that the all-day kindergarten plan is moving ahead as the province has planned, although it's possible the implementation schedule may shift somewhat. If your child is currently registered in all-day kindergarten, that will not change. Nearly half of TDSB kindies are currently in all-day programs....no word yet about Clairlea, at least not that I've heard. (Post below if you know something I don't!)