Expect 'uncertainty and angst', says TVDSB interim leader to teachers

Southwestern Ontario's largest school board is working toward balancing its finances with staff now aware that it will cost some people their jobs.

Employees received an email from the Thames Valley District School Board's (TVDSB) interim Education Director Bill Tucker on Tuesday that CBC News has obtained. It provides an update on the financial recovery plan that is being led by a provincially appointed supervisor, labour and employment lawyer Paul Boniferro.

Tucker wrote that Boniferro's mandate to balance the TVDSB's budget, and leave it with a 2 per cent reserve fund, will mean major restructuring decisions.

"Uncertainty and angst about one's employment and job description will be present throughout the entire system," Tucker wrote.

The decision to have Boniferro take control of London's public school board and pause the role of its elected trustees came after the province conducted a review last fall in the wake of a $40,000 staff retreat. The review wrapped up in April and the final report showed instances of mismanagement, including promotions and executive pay raises without trustee approval, as well as a nearly $17 million deficit.

Tucker said Tuesday that Boniferro will be in the role until at least the next school year, and trustees will continue to have no input into decisions.

CBC News has made multiple requests to speak to Boniferro but has not received any response.

Tucker said that Boniferro is currently vetting all open job postings within the school board suggesting cuts are coming. He noted some positions are funded by Ministry of Education grants and are required to be filled. He called this the "first step of a bigger picture that will become much clearer as time goes on."

Tucker admitted he knows they are not "just talking about jobs."

"We are talking about livelihoods, family incomes and in many cases financial security for homes," he wrote. "We are talking about people."

He said the hope is to make affected employee groups aware in a timely manner and deliver news personally.

The Minister of Education Paul Calandra declined an interview with CBC News. In a statement, spokesperson Emma Testani said the board needs to focus on administrative savings.

"Core education funding should go towards supporting teachers and students in the classroom," Testani said.

While Tucker expressed his regret to staff the decisions the board needs to make, he stressed that they need to do what is best for TVDSB.

"I am also sad as I write this memo to everyone. But we must keep our eye on what is best for the Board because at the end of the day, what is best for the Board will translate into good things happening for students."

Tucker said he has also offered to stay on in his interim role for as long as necessary.