TVDSB says staff reductions are due to low enrolment and changes to newcomers language program

Isha Bhargava · CBC News · Jun 12, 2026

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is cutting 31 positions in a move officials say is primarily driven by lower enrolment and the loss of federal funding.

Mary Henry, president of CUPE 4222, which represents the affected workers, said designated early childhood educators (DECE) and workers who care for newcomer children (CNC) will be laid off at the end of June.

"We are all absolutely devastated because we know the students need those resources, which are our staff members, there to help support, guide them and nurture them into the best students they possibly can," said Henry.

"When they're not there, the children are going to suffer in the end. It's very hurtful for many of the staff as well as the students."

Henry said the teaching partners are responsible for helping kindergarten teachers and students learn the curriculum. They also work individually with students to teach them skills like writing, learning colours, and counting.

In a statement, a TVDSB spokesperson said the anticipated staff reductions are based on lower projected kindergarten enrolment for the 2026-2027 school year, and funding changes to the federal Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.

"Like all Ontario school boards, TVDSB follows a regular staff planning process each school year based on projected student enrolment. This planning process is closely guided by provincial regulations as well as collective labour agreements," the statement said.

"We have carefully reviewed staffing allocations and intentionally organized kindergarten classrooms to minimize any impact on students or staff."

According to figures from CUPE, kindergarten enrolment is projected to decline by 285 students or 2.7 per cent. However, the elimination of 31 DECE positions represents an 8.3 per cent reduction in permanent DECE staffing.

The union said the cuts will only further imbalance the student-to-staff ratio, and they come as classroom sizes are increasing and student complexities are rising.

The CNC workers provide childcare for newcomer children while their parents participate in language training and settlement programs. The federal government has reduced funding for these programs due to lower immigration levels.

Provincial funding cuts leading to larger classrooms

CUPE 4222 represents about 2,000 education workers at TVDSB, including DECEs, CNCs, custodians, maintenance workers, IT staff, media graphics workers, secretaries and drivers.

Henry said she also believes inadequate funding from the province is forcing school boards to make tough decisions. Many parents have also expressed disappointment and frustration, Henry said.

"With the drastic cuts and lack of resources the government has provided, the students are the ones that are losing in the end because there's not enough resources — not enough support staff to support their needs," she said. "There are many students who struggle and need extra hands-on and one-on-one individuals to work with them in order to learn."

Henry said the Education Act allows school boards to combine senior kindergarten and Grade 1 classes, which don't require early childhood educator positions and could help them save costs.

With two weeks left in the school year, Henry is hoping the board can reverse its decision.

Until then, she said, the union will continue to advocate to the province for more education funding.

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-ontario-school-job-cuts-9.7232620