By Trevor Greenway
A local school board commissioner is asking for parents’ help to figure out how to cut nearly $1 million from the education budget without affecting students.
Chelsea Elementary School Board commissioner Caryl Green told the Low Down that staff from the Western Quebec School Board will present their proposed budget cuts at its January board meeting, and she’s calling on parents and the general public to get involved and have a say in the region’s education plans.
“The WQSB must cut $906,000 for the remainder of the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Staff will present the commissioners with their proposed cuts at our January meeting for discussion and approval,” Green told the Low Down.
“It is important for parents with children in the WQSB system, and the community at large, to be aware of the consequences that, for example, a complete hiring freeze and no further spending for school expansion projects could have on their children’s education,” she said. “Although the government states that the budget cuts should not have a direct impact on student services, the reality is that they will impact education now and for years to come.”
The cuts are part of wider provincial austerity measures that will see $200 million cut from the education system. Green said the cuts represent 0.6 per cent of the WQSB budget.
Other schools in the Outaouais – including French school service centres – will also see cuts. The Portages-de-l’Outaouais (CSSPO) board will be forced to reduce its expenses by $2,164,556.08.
Green also said that, while the details of the cuts are not yet clear, a number of portable buildings that were planned for Chelsea Elementary will no longer happen.
The upcoming Jan. 28 board meeting is open to the public and is offered both in-person or virtually. Those who wish to attend can show up to 15 Rue Katimavik in Gatineau at 7 p.m. or log on virtually. Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP 24 hours before the meeting via the website at www.westernquebec.ca