Toronto School Board Cuts Italian Program, Affecting 77 Teachers

0:00The Toronto Catholic District School Board is cutting its International Languages Elementary Italian program from the regular school day starting in September 2026. Instead, students will shift to a Saturday program run by the board. This move is part of wider changes, including adjusted bell times at some schools for better transportation and replacing old literacy programs with A. New early reading approach. Officials say these steps aim to prioritize core academic skills and tackle the board's $39 million deficit. Parents are voicing strong concerns, pointing out how languages help preserve cultural identity and fit easily into busy family schedules. Many feel the cuts overlook community needs, especially since the program was unfunded. The union representing language instructors warns that 77 dedicated teachers will lose their jobs with lasting effects on students and families who value these cultural resources. Meanwhile, the board remains under provincial supervision after the four government stepped

1:01in last June over mismanagement that tripled the deficit. Leaders are now re-aligning programs to match ministry funding in classroom priorities. From your city, powered by AI, this is Toronto News