Halifax board OKs teacher-cutting budget

The Halifax Regional School Board has approved a budget that means a loss of millions of dollars and nearly 200 positions this year.

The board passed the 2012-13 budget on Wednesday. All members raised concerns about the $3.5 million cut in funding from the province.

Once costs like utilities and salaries are factored in, the board expects to have about $10.2 million less this year.

The board says 175 positions — mostly teaching jobs — are disappearing this year. However, only a few people have received layoff notices because of retirements.

Board chair Irvine Carvery says the situation doesn't bode well for new teachers.

"That's the real impact of these teacher cuts, because all of our current teachers that are in the system will continue to work — there's no job losses. But it's the opportunity for future employment that's in jeopardy here," he said.

Carvery says class sizes are expected to grow as a result of this budget.