The backpacks are packed, the alarm clocks are set, and across Montreal, the countdown to a new school year is almost over.
Students at the Lester B. Pearson School Board will return to class Monday, followed by students at the English Montreal School Board on Tuesday.
As the two English-language school boards prepare to welcome students for the 2026-27 school year, staffing remains a focus, particularly as school boards continue to work to fill positions while facing budget pressures.
Students arrive for their first day back to school at an elementary school in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
EMSB working to fill remaining teaching positions
According to figures provided by the Fédération du personnel de soutien scolaire (FPSS-CSQ), the EMSB had a shortage of 13 teachers as of Aug. 24.
That is down from a shortage of 28 teachers on April 13, 2026, according to the federation.
Joe Ortona, chairman of the EMSB, said staffing is a challenge the board works on throughout the year, with recruitment efforts intensifying over the summer.
“It’s always a goal of ours to make sure that we have a qualified teacher in every single classroom as of the first day of school.”
A sign for the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is shown at its administration building in Montreal, Sunday, May 3, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Canada and around the world. The school board said it would determine the date when it would reopen its schools even if the Government of Quebec deems it safe. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Ortona said the number of unfilled positions changes from day to day as the board continues interviews and recruitment efforts.
“Those figures are constantly changing, but the number is constantly shrinking. So that’s a good sign.”
He said the board expects to have the remaining positions filled by the first day of school or, if necessary, during the first week.
The staffing challenge comes as the board also deals with budget cuts.
“It’s been a challenging year, like other years, making sure that all of the staff positions are filled and dealing with the ongoing budget cuts that we’ve pretty much worked throughout the entire summer to try to regulate,” Ortona said.
“We’re excited for the challenges that are ahead, and as we’ve always been confident with the amazing staff that we have, you know, [we’re] confident that we’ll meet those challenges.”
Focus on student needs
Ortona said staffing and budgets are not the only priorities for the coming school year.
The board also wants to ensure students have the materials and resources they need, including students with disabilities or other particular challenges.
“We want to make sure that the students have all of the materials and the tools that they need,” he said.
A elementary student arrives for his first day back to school in Montreal, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Ortona added that the board wants to maintain what he described as its focus on providing more than the minimum level of services despite financial pressures.
“We have an amazing staff in all of our schools that really go above and beyond.”
For parents, ensuring students’ individual needs are met is also a priority.
Alexandra Di Done, an EMSB parent, said she remains positive about the quality of education at her children’s school, but staffing is one of her concerns.
“Obviously, the number of students in the classrooms is increasing, but the staffing is decreasing.”
At the same time, Di Done said communication between teachers, students and parents remains strong.
“The quality of education is still very, very good. So, I have no complaints on that front.”
She said her priority for the new school year is making sure schools remain responsive to the individual needs of students.
“The priority is just, again, just being able to be present for the kids and their needs, because they’re all particular, they’re all different.”
Students ready to return
While staffing and budgets remain part of the conversation, students preparing to return to the classroom are focused on seeing their friends, getting back to their studies and, for some, reaching important milestones.
“We’re going back to school, and I’m kind of feeling excited because I’m going into Grade 6, and it’s like my last year of elementary school, so it’s exciting,” said one Grade 6 student.
“I think, like, having, like, the best of the time with my friends and, like, my graduation and things like that,” she added.
School supplies are seen in a classroom on the first day back to school at an elementary school in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Another Grade 6 student said he is looking forward to getting back to his subjects after the summer break.
“I’m looking forward to doing subjects again because I’m kind of bored during summer break.”
“I’m going to be starting school, and I’m quite happy because I can get to see my friends for, like, the whole school year,” he added.
He said math is his favourite subject and that he is excited to graduate and move on to high school next year.
Another student kept his answer simple when asked about returning to school.
“I’m really excited to finally start school, so I can see my friends.”
Parents prepare for a new routine
For parents, the return to school also means getting supplies ready and settling back into a familiar routine.
EMSB parent Eli MacDonald said his Grade 6 child was able to take more responsibility for preparing for the new school year.
“He assembled all his supplies himself and checked everything off the list. That was really nice.”
MacDonald said he has few concerns about the return to school and hopes the year will help prepare his child for the transition to high school.
“The priority is, you know, having a good year, getting ready for high school, you know, and being ready next year to go into high school.”
Di Done said she is also looking forward to the return to school and to seeing the teachers and school community again.
“Feeling great. Excited to see the teachers again. Very, very fun staff and environment with the school.”
Students sit in their classroom on their first day back to school at an elementary school in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
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