Quebec cuts hit Local Schools hard

By Anne Stairs

Just as local schools were finalizing their budgets for the upcoming school year, the government slashed millions from their school boards and sent everyone back to the drawing board.

“It was a first,” notes Peter Mckelvie, Knowlton Academy’s principal. “I’ve been in education for 30 years and have pretty much seen it all, but this was a frustrating surprise.”

Somehow, with some clever strategizing, Knowlton Academy managed to open its doors this year without cutting services to students. Also on the plus side is that this school receives hearty community support: the parent’s organization raises a lot of money, and groups like the Lion’s Club, the Optimist Club, and the local churches are very generous.

Mckelvie acknowledges that student activities and outings and staffing are the areas most vulnerable to government cuts. For example, the price doubled for families sending kids to Brome Fair with the school.

“Right now our priorities are to make sure students have the support they need during the school day, and to make sure that they have enough food to eat so that they are ready to learn. Every chil matters.” Peter Mckelvie

Support from the Community

At Ecole St. Edouard, Principal Alina Laverriere remarks, “We have to watch our budgets for hiring personnel carefully, as well as our budget for special needs students.” Laverriere also commented that while their school board sees the needs very clearly and are doing all they can to alleviate suffering, their hands are tied by funding cuts.

School outings at St-Edouard are also vulnerable but fortunately they also receive good support from community organizations. They also have a reciprocal relationship with the Catholic Church where they receive monies to help with food programs and at the same time donate goods for the weekly church sale.

St-Edouard, formerly an International school, now focuses on the theme of global health. This fall they are launching their cheese fundraiser to support students and events.