CSDM warns budget cuts will hurt school services

Montreal's French-language school board the Commission Scolaire de Montral (CSDM) is warning parents that budget cuts will hurt student services including bus transportation, food and counseling.

In a letter sent out to parents on Tuesday, the CSDM listed off the changes they may have to make:

• Reduceschool bus service.
• Eliminatebudget for neighbourhood committees,which funds various school activities includingfrancization camp andsports activities.
• Eliminate commissioners'budget, which went towards parents' committees and helped fund activities such as proms and year-end parties.
• Reduce the scope of food services.
• Cut several positions including guidance counsellors, vice-principals, and special education technicians.

The school board is meeting with the provincial government today to discuss future funding.

Marie-Jos Mastromonaco, school commissioner for the CSDM inNotre-Dame-de-GrceWestmount,toldCBC Daybreak hostMikeFinnertythat the newsletter was not a pressure tactic, but a "reality check."

"The impacts are starting to be felt right now," she said.