Trade union group condemns CSS's action of informing parents about their decision
The Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) has strongly criticised a legal notice issued by the Centre de services scolaire des Hautes-Laurentides (CSSHL) to the governing board of a school, aux Quatre Vents. The notice was a result of the board's refusal to adopt the budget, protesting against budget cuts that have had negative effects on services, particularly for students with special needs.
The issue of budget cuts in education has been a growing concern, with many School Service Centres (CSS) having to make difficult decisions this year to balance their budgets. The CSQ finds the legal notice unacceptable and discredits the work of the democratic governing board, stating that it is an act of intimidation towards volunteers who are protesting budget cuts.
The CSQ notes that the members of the governing board, many of whom are teachers, are being muzzled by the CSSHL's actions. Nadine Bé́dard-St-Pierre, CSQ's president, expressed concern about CSS potentially sending cease and desist letters to prevent people from raising concerns. She also stated that the approach of sending such letters could be perceived as discrediting the work and role of school board members.
The director of the CSSHL, Stéphanie Charette, has scheduled an extraordinary meeting for next Tuesday to adopt the budget of school aux Quatre Vents. The CSQ, however, believes that the governing board's mandate to adopt the budget is the most important power granted to it by the Education Act, as it allows for modifications to the budget proposal presented by the administration.
The new Minister of Education, Sonia LeBel, declined to comment on this issue due to a cease and desist letter being issued. The office of the Minister of Education, however, stated that now is the time for consolidation and managing public funds rigorously.
Marylène Le Houillier, the communications director, mentioned that the budgets allocated to the Quebec education network have increased by 60% since 2018. Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, the outgoing co-spokesperson of Quebec solidaire, has criticised the CSSHL's actions on Twitter, calling them an example of poor use of public funds in education.
Nadine Bé́dard-St-Pierre hopes that the minister will be open to listening to parents who are calling for more investment in education. The CSQ, in solidarity with the parents and the governing board of school aux Quatre Vents, continues to advocate for increased investment in education to ensure quality services for all students.
