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Public schools could see cuts of up to 300 teachers, increased class sizes and significant fee hikes in response to the UCP’s tough budget presented almost two weeks ago.

Expressing shock and disbelief, officials with the Calgary Board of Education estimate provincial cuts to three critical grants, including the classroom improvement fund and the class size initiative fund, will result in a $32-million reduction for this school year.

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And with teachers funded at around $100,000 in average salaries, that could translate to about 320 teachers, depending on where else the CBE makes cuts.

But when inflation and other reductions kick in, including the payout of teacher contracts over the next few months, CBE chief financial officer Brad Grundy estimates the $32-million funding loss could translate to about $48 million in cuts by January.

“We will have to lay off more people to achieve the necessary savings,” Grundy said.