The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) announced it will eliminate 69 unionized positions by the end of August. This decision is part of a strategic initiative aimed at optimizing resources while prioritizing student achievement and well-being.
Reason for Job Cuts at OCDSB
According to a spokesperson for the OCDSB, the job cuts will affect centrally managed staff. The goal is to reduce administrative overhead and eliminate inefficiencies. These changes are linked to the board’s Student-Focused Resource Optimization Project.
Impact on Schools
It is important to note that these reductions will not affect classrooms directly. There are no plans to cut class-based positions or frontline support for students. The OCDSB is focusing its efforts on streamlining operations without compromising the quality of education.
Background Context
These cuts follow an audit committee meeting held on April 28, which revealed the board’s need to reduce staff due to declining student enrollment. The OCDSB anticipates losing 83 full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching positions as enrollment is projected to drop significantly.
- Elementary school enrollment is expected to decrease by 766 students.
- Secondary school enrollment may decline by 938 students by the 2026-2027 school year.
Factors contributing to the enrollment decline include decreasing birth rates, fewer international students, and a shift of older students transitioning to the Continuing Education Day School model. Additionally, many parents are choosing to keep kindergarten-aged children at home.
Projected Staffing Changes
| Category | Projected Change (FTEs) |
|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | -45.79 |
| Secondary Schools | -37.50 |
| Principal and Vice-Principal Allocations | -1.83 |
The OCDSB’s operating budget for the 2026-2027 school year is estimated at $1.26 billion. Staffing costs, including those for teachers and administrators, account for roughly 53% of this budget.
Contrast with Catholic School Board
While the OCDSB faces declining enrollment, the Ottawa Catholic School Board is experiencing growth. Last fall, enrollment surged by 4.8%, adding 2,436 students. For the upcoming school year, the Catholic board expects a further increase of 2.7%, equating to an additional 1,433 students.
- Elementary enrollments projected: 36,492 students (up 856 from last year).
- Secondary enrollments projected: 17,296 students (up 577 from last year).
As the OCDSB makes these adjustments, the future landscape of education in Ottawa continues to evolve, highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead.
