CSDM budget cuts could eliminate 20 speech therapist jobs

Teachers at Montreal's largest French-language school boardare concerned that looming budget cuts will mean students won't have access to the help they need.

The CommissionScolairedeMontral(CSDM)may abolish20 speech therapist positionsacross its schools, Radio-Canada has learned.

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Irne-Lussierschool, which is devoted to teachingstudents with learning difficulties and special needs, will reportedlybe the hardest hit.

Eight speech therapists are at riskof losing their jobs at the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve schoolif the board proceeds with the plan.

"It's worryingbecause we thought that we can't cut anymore after last year,"Marilne Prvost, a teacher at the school, said.

"We thought that was enough."

Feeling frustrated, Prvost and a colleague created a Facebook group last week to evaluate what the situation was like in other schools.

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The group quickly grew to 2,000 members, with many saying their teachers face similar challenges due to budget cuts.

Members claimlibrarians, vice-principals, support staff and other employees may also lose their jobs in the coming months.

Union says more jobs will be cut

TheMontreal Teachers Allianceestimates 40 positions in total couldbe eliminated if the board's belt-tightening plan goes forward.

"It's huge," Catherine Renaud, the president of the Montreal Teachers Alliance, said.

"They're going to have to tell students and parents that whilethey had services this year, that they won't them have next year - even if they need them."