Toronto Schools Face Budget Cuts, Language Program Threatened

0:00It's March 27th. This is Canada News today, AI-powered stories from your city. The Toronto Catholic District School Board is implementing its first round of budget cuts under provincial supervision. The change is target a legacy literacy program for young students, daytime international language classes, and school star times at elementary schools. These moves aim to cut costs and align with provincial guidelines for the 202627 school year. Those are Frank Benedetto, outlined the plan in a recent memo. He wants to phase out older reading supports, like fifth block, and shift to evidence-based strategies from the ministry. Unfunded language instruction during school hours will move to weekends where funding exists. Meanwhile, bell times at 39 elementary schools will adjust by 30 minutes, like from 8.30 a.m. to 9 a.m. to improve busing. Efficiency. Teachers and parents are voicing strong concerns over the lack of input. The Elementary Teachers Association says these decisions skipped consultation, removing

1:02the checks they had with elected trustees. Families have lost a direct way to raise issues, and the group sees less accountability now. International language programs date back to the 1970s in Toronto boards. They offer classes in languages such as Arabic, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese, typically 30 minutes four days a week. The daytime version pulls from regular instruction time, and has run at a loss without full provincial support. As the board works to reduce its deficit one of eight under supervision for financial troubles, the Union plans to challenge the literacy cuts and time. Changes through grievances and legal steps. Expect more pushback as these shifts near implementation next fall.