TDSB votes to keep 140 education assistant jobs

TORONTO, Ont. - The TDSB has voted to keep 140 educational assistant jobs, stating that they are too valuable to lose.

The decision was made Wednesday night by Toronto trustees.

Trustee Josh Matlow told 680News that his poses some financial problems for the board, "The challenge is how to pay for them.  The board is currently projecting an over $17-million deficit for this year and this will increase the deficit by about $5.8-million."

The Provence initiated a full day learning initiative where education assistants would be replaced by early childhood educators.  The goal of the initiative was to encourage education assistants advance their education and apply to become early childhood educators; currently education assistants do not require any specific training.

This decision by the board means the school system will now contain both.

The board currently receives funding for only 32 education assistants.