The English Montreal School Board announced on June 16 that it intends to eliminate more than 100 positions that provide support to students with special needs. The proposal has been met with alarm from both parents of the affected students and the board’s union representatives.
According to the board’s plan, the cuts would affect staff members who work directly with special‑needs learners across the district’s schools. The positions slated for removal include roles that assist with individualized education programs, classroom aides, and other support services.
Parents, speaking at a recent meeting, expressed concern that the reduction could disrupt the continuity of care and instruction for their children. They emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to meet the legal and educational requirements for students who need additional assistance.
The teachers’ union representing the board’s employees also voiced opposition, noting that the proposed cuts conflict with the board’s obligations under provincial guidelines for special‑needs education. Union officials warned that a loss of staff could strain remaining personnel and potentially affect the quality of services delivered.
The board has not released a detailed timeline for the implementation of the reductions, nor has it provided a full accounting of how the positions will be selected for elimination. Board officials indicated that the proposal is part of a broader effort to manage resources, but specific financial motivations were not disclosed in the announcement.
The response from the community has prompted calls for the board to reconsider the plan and to engage in further consultation with families and staff. As the debate continues, the future of the more than 100 special‑needs support roles remains uncertain pending any revisions to the board’s proposal.