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STAR Catholic School Division announces temporary staff layoffs

STAR Catholic School Division has issued notice of temporary layoff to 147 staff
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St. Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division has issued notice of temporary layoff to 147 staff effective for the months of May and June.

The layoff notices come in the wake of the Government of Alberta’s recent decision to reduce the provincial education budget for the 2019-2020 school year in order to redirect funds towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

For STAR Catholic, the budget changes translate to a reduction of $566,000 in instructional funding for the months of May and June, and nearly $150,000 in transportation funding for the months of April, May, and June.

Employees impacted by the layoffs include educational assistants, FSLWs, librarians, custodians, and information and technology staff.

“It is with great difficulty that we announce this news. This decision is not one the Board of Trustees takes lightly, especially during what is already such a challenging time for our staff and families,” says Board Chair Michelle Lamer.

“Each and every staff member of STAR Catholic is incredibly valued: as an individual, for the important work they do for our Division, and for the impact they have on our students. As always, we will work together to get through this as a team, guided by our steadfast commitment to student success.”

Impacted staff are encouraged to assess their eligibility and apply for government financial aid programs such as Employment Insurance and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The Division will continue to fund health benefits for the permanent staff who have received notice of layoff.

Based in central Alberta, Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division represents 12 schools that serve the communities of Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Lacombe, Leduc, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin. The STAR Catholic Schools team of teachers and support staff are committed to giving more than 4000 students across our division every opportunity to achieve their potential in a caring, safe and Christ-centred environment.

-Submitted by STAR Catholic Schools