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Temporary layoff notices issued

Fri, 17 Apr, 2020

Edmonton Public Schools issued temporary layoff notices to 1,868 employees (1,740 FTE) this week, as a result of reductions to education funding by the provincial government. These funds are being redirected towards the province’s fight against COVID-19. For the months of May and June, Edmonton Public Schools’ budget is reduced by about $17.5 million, $13.78 million from our Base Instruction Grant and $3.7 million from transportation.

“This is a significant amount that will have an impact on staffing across our Division,” says Superintendent Darrel Robertson. “While we looked at other funding sources to minimize the impact across the Division, in schools and in our central departments, reducing our staff was unavoidable.”

Staff impacted by temporary layoffs includes a range of roles in support, custodial and exempt staff groups. 

For those impacted by temporary layoff, their last day of work will be May 15. Impacted staff have been provided information about the federal and provincial income assistance programs. Permanent staff impacted by temporary layoff will retain their health benefits, which the Division will cover for the duration they are laid off.

“These decisions were difficult. Every single one of our team members are valued,” says Robertson. “Together, our team has an unrelenting focus on ensuring students are successful. That focus has never wavered.”

Superintendent Darrel Robertson also shared a letter to families about the temporary layoffs.