SD73 Budget Cuts: The End of Librarian and Science Assistants in Kamloops Schools

The Kamloops-Thompson school district and CUPE 3500 have announced devastating job cuts in the recently approved SD73 budget, significantly impacting teaching staff and support workers.

Photo: Castanet

Unions representing Kamloops teachers and school support staff express deep concern over the 54 job cuts, including the complete elimination of librarian assistants and classroom science assistants. These roles are crucial for student safety in science classes and literacy support in libraries.

Impact on Support Staff and Teachers

• 46.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) support staff positions cut, translating to 54 jobs.
• All librarian and science assistant positions eliminated, affecting student safety and literacy programs.
• 25.5 FTE teaching positions cut, though no job losses are expected, only reduced work hours.

Dawn Armstrong, CUPE 3500 president, highlights the panic among workers, many of whom may not qualify for remaining positions in time for the next school year. Meanwhile, Laurel Macpherson of the Kamloops-Thompson Teachers Association reassures that teachers will retain employment, albeit possibly in less preferred roles.

Calls for Government Action

Both unions and the SD73 district parent advisory council are urging the provincial government to revisit the education funding model, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to support students and staff.

A recent rally and planned demonstrations at the B.C. legislature underscore the community's demand for change, as educators and support workers face increasing pressures to do more with less.