Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board has passed its 2022-2023 budget during a pair of meetings tonight.
The budget, which had been shot down in a previous meeting, passed the Committee of the Whole vote 5 to 3 without any alterations.
While the new budget provides for the hiring of additional teachers due to an increase in student enrolment, 14 other jobs among various staff including administration and custodians are set to be cut.
Fifty-one additional positions supported by temporary funding such as COVID relief funds may also be cut in subsequent budgets.
The public meeting was packed with spectators, with the room full to standing room only and more waiting in the halls outside as the committee debated.
Most were CUPE union members who’d protested the proposed cuts to custodial and office staff.
Spectators at the June 27 Hastings Prince Edward District School Board Committee of the Whole meeting observe proceedings, with all available space taken and more listening outside.
