Two hundred Vancouver teachers to be laid off, says school board

“This is a very difficult time for many of our employees and we’re trying to do our utmost to ensure this is done as professionally and fairly as possible,” Superintendent Steve Cardwell said in a school board news release.

“We’re optimistic that as per past years, we’ll be able to rehire a majority of our teachers in the coming months,” Cardwell said.

The layoffs are effective June 30.

The district blamed the move on a number of factors including declining enrolment, teachers returning from leaves of absence, and fewer retirements than expected. However, the district ruled out budget cuts as a direct cause.

According to the news release, the layoff-related decisions were made by a committee representing the school board and the district teachers’ associations.