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The Prairie Spirit School Board is cutting dozens of classroom jobs.
Fourteen teaching positions are being eliminated through attrition. Sixty educational assistants are being cut using a mix of attrition and layoffs.
The division first warned about potential job cuts in March during the campaign for the provincial election, saying it had to cover a $3 million funding shortfall.
Speaking in Regina on Thursday, Education Minister Don Morgan said the board ought to look elsewhere for savings, rather than cut classroom staff.
“During the election they raised the issue they might have to do layoffs. Same day that article’s in the paper, they’re advertising for more admin staff,” he said.
Morgan said every school board in the province is going to have to find ways to reduce costs in a tough budget year.
“Have you looked at your administration component? Have you looked at how you do bussing? Have you looked at other ways to try and save money? Are you buying things as a group? Are you doing things the most effective or efficient way as possible?” he asked.
NDP education critic Carla Beck said responsibility for the lost jobs lies with the government.
“School boards do not have ability to increase their revenues. They do not have the ability to set their own mill rates,” she said.
