Calgary schools to cut 192 teaching spots

Calgary public schools are facing the loss of 192 full-time teaching and 85 support positions this fall.

The Calgary Board of Education confirmed those numbers on Tuesday in unveiling its proposed operating budget, which lays out a $10 million deficit.

The debt will arise even though the board is cleaning out its reserve fund of $19.1 million to help cover the $1 billion operating budget for 2010-11.

The budget will include the job cuts, reduction of some class sizes and a small increase in certain fees.

"We are very saddened this budget will impact our people. They have worked so hard on behalf of Calgary's children," said Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson.

A freeze on provincial funding and a negotiated wage raise for teachers are blamed for the financial crisis. The CBE employs about 5,000 teachers.

Some of the job cuts deeper than the 165 estimated by board officials last month may be covered by retirements, but layoffs can't be avoided, warned the CBE.

Probationary teachers, who are in their first yearin the profession, would be the first to face layoffs. School support workers, such as educational assistants, lunchroom supervisors, and custodians, also face cuts proposed in the budget.

Trustees are scheduled to debate the budget on June 15.