The Toronto District School Board revealed on Monday it is grappling with a much bigger budget shortfall than anticipated — an extra $13 million — because of changes in funding by the Ford government. At a special committee meeting Monday evening, the country’s largest school board announced it is dealing with a shortfall of $67.83 million — and not the previously reported $54.4 million.That shortfall could result in cuts to busing for French immersion and extended French students, the cancellation of International Baccalaureate programs in elementary school and charging students to attend such classes in high school, cutting the number of learning coaches, guidance counsellors, reading coaches, and custodians, among other proposed measures. TDSB director of education John Malloy said staff learned late Friday from the Ministry of Education that provincial cuts will amount to $42.1 million — and not the expected $28.7 million. That $42.1 million plus a structural deficit — extra money the board invests in areas not covered by the government — of about $25.7 million, amounts to a total shortfall of $67.83 million. “This has been very challenging, lots of tension and a bit of anxiety,” said Malloy. “Preparing for today has added to that anxiety,” he said, noting “nothing” is “being brought to you lightly or without absolute careful consideration.”Malloy made the comments at a special meeting to trustees of the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee. He presented a draft report of the 2019-20 school budget, which provides a glimpse of possible cuts that could be coming.Outside, about 100 parents, children and others waved placards, demanding that teachers be protected from any cuts. Malloy said “we were surprised” to learn about the additional $13 million in cuts.“We, frankly, have lost some of the flexibility that we’ve had over time to offer services ...
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