The Toronto District School Board is proposing to slash hundreds of teaching positions and implement a number of proposed revenue generating activities -- including renting parking spaces to the city -- in an effort to cut its $16.5-million projected deficit.

The staff cuts would affect 116.5 full-time high school teachers, and 98 elementary teachers, the board said in a statement ahead of Wednesday's budget meeting. According to the TDSB, the balanced budget plan will have a "minimal impact" on students.

"Working together, trustees and staff have developed a responsible plan to address the $16.5M projected deficit," the board said in the statement. "(The) balanced budget plan has a minimal impact on students and the classroom, despite ongoing provincial funding cuts."

Other staff cuts

The board says proposed cuts in the English as a Second Language and the special-education programs will also be discussed on Wednesday.

Fifty-nine elementary school ESL teachers may be let go, and 34 ESL teachers at the secondary school level may be cut. According to the TDSB, these staff reductions will not affect the ESL program as fewer students have been enrolled in it over the past decade.

"The same supports for students will continue because the number of ESL teachers who teach at multiple locations will increase," the board said. It adds that only two of the TDSB’s Newcomer Reception Centres will be open throughout the year. The third will only open during peak times at the end of August and beginning of September.

Cuts to the special-education program, however, will have some impact on students. "A reduction of 22 elementary and 14.5 secondary teaching positions is recommended to manage this funding loss with the smallest impact to students," the TDSB said.

The recommended staff reduction comes as the board is receiving less funding from the province for special education. Over the next four years, the TDSB estimates funding will be slashed by $22.3 million.

Other proposed cuts to the special education program include reductions to noon-hour assistants, special-needs assistants, lunchroom supervisors, and special-education educational assistants.

The TDSB says it hopes to make all of the proposed staff cuts through attrition or retirement, and will also help employees find other positions.

Revenue generating activities

Wednesday's board meeting will also include a discussion about possible revenue generating activities, including a partnership with Toronto Parking Authority.

If the board votes to work with the TPA, it could earn an estimated $100,000 in the start-up year, and more in the following years. The plan would involve creating TPA lots on school sites in key areas of the downtown core.