By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) Council of Commissioners met Sept. 23 under the leadership of chair Michael Murray, addressing financial uncertainty, staffing pressures, and questions about support for vulnerable students. Several issues of direct concern to staff and parents took centre stage.

Budget adoption delayed

Murray confirmed that the ETSB’s 2025–26 budget remains unfinished due to months of shifting government directives. “We are still wrestling with all of the conflicting announcements that have been made over the last five months which have precipitated the entire budget process into chaos,” he said. The deadline for school boards has been extended to Oct. 30, with ETSB aiming to adopt its budget on Oct. 28. Murray acknowledged it may need to be passed “with caveats” if conditions are not yet clear.

The board remains caught between shifting provincial requirements and the daily realities of keeping classrooms supported. As Murray put it, “We will present the budget as best we can … with whatever conditional elements it may still contain.”

Cuts and collaboration

Responding to a question about cost savings, Murray outlined a series of service-sharing agreements with neighbouring school service centres, including joint bussing with Val-des-Cerfs, shared adult and vocational centres, and co-managed facilities in Sutton, Lennoxville, and Sherbrooke. He emphasized that collaboration has already helped soften the impact of funding cuts.

Health and safety committees in limbo

The Appalachian Teachers’ Association (ATA) pressed the board on the dismantling of the Bill 59 health and safety framework, saying it had worked effectively. An ATA representative argued prevention was being sidelined: “Last year we had a system that was in place that worked … it could have been tweaked as opposed to dismantled altogether.” Murray said the matter was technical and promised administrators would follow up with details about when new committees would begin work.

Staffing challenges for vulnerable students

Concerns were raised about shortages of support staff and resource teachers, with some students reportedly going without services. One representative noted, “Some of our most vulnerable students may not be receiving the services and support that they require.” Murray admitted financial compressions and staff shortages were straining the system. Although all professional vacancies were filled this year, including a speech and language therapist, he said, “We acknowledge that we cannot deliver all of the services [within] the budget parameters that we’ve been given.”

Devices and insurance costs

Questions also surfaced about teachers being charged $100 for computer repairs. Murray said the board does insure its devices but noted that “the question of repair is always a contentious one.” Administrators will prepare clearer guidelines on when staff may be asked to cover costs.

Defining administrative roles

Staff asked for a clearer outline of responsibilities within ETSB’s senior administration. Murray explained that while broad roles exist, “almost every administrator wears multiple hats … they overlap and intersect so much that there are no clear boundaries.” He emphasized that cooperation, rather than rigid definitions, guides board operations.

Professional development and legal fees

Concerns were raised about rising spending on consultants and legal services during a period of school-level cuts. Murray replied that most professional development budgets are decentralized to schools, with local staff councils deciding how to use them. On legal costs, he stressed these are primarily tied to internal labour matters and grievances, not to Quebec English School Boards Association (QESBA) lawsuits. “No part of our school budget goes to support … QESBA legal initiatives,” he said.

Student adaptation to new cell phone rules

The Student Advisory Committee reported that students were adjusting to limits on cell phone use. Many rely on their devices for agendas or calculators, with one student remarking they would “have to buy a calculator.” Commissioners noted the importance of monitoring how restrictions affect learning and daily organization.

Other highlights

• Graduation rates improving: Director General Kandy Mackey noted that despite higher vulnerability among ETSB’s kindergarten entrants, 75.6 per cent of students now graduate within seven years, with 66 per cent of students with special needs completing their studies.
• Recognition of excellence: Schools held Terry Fox Runs, raising thousands for cancer research. ADS Elementary inaugurated a “Buddy Bench” to encourage kindness and inclusion, while Phelps Helps launched a $550,000 fundraising campaign for a new youth space.
• Transportation update: Most bus routes are running, though a few remain affected by driver absences.