George Joyce, a trustee with the Eastern School District, says $7.5-million in cuts are coming to Newfoundland and Labrador's largest school board, but board officials are not confirming any details.

George Joyce is a trustee with the Eastern School District. (CBC )

"$7.5-million is very significant and it will have major implications for the education system in the Eastern School District," said Joyce.

Joyce said the provincial government has told all school districts in the province to save money.

A $7.5-million cut to the Eastern School District would amount to just under two per cent of that board's annual budget.

No details on cost-cutting plan

Bruce Vey, the CEO of the Eastern School District, said his organization has sent a cost-cutting proposal to the provincial government, but he would not give further details — not even confirming the $7.5 million amount.

Bruce Vey is the CEO of the Eastern School District. (CBC )

"Are there layoffs? I'm not coming to comment on that particular point," said Vey. "I think that's going to create a fair amount of stress and anxiety in our system by saying that there would be layoffs."

Vey said the board would try to leave schools and classrooms out of any cost-cutting measures.

"The first priority is certainly to ensure that the schools and classrooms, any impact is minimized at that level," said Vey.

Joyce said the board has been looking at closing offices in Clarenville, Marystown and Bay Roberts, and has proposed a central payroll office for all the school boards.

Politicians demand details

In the house of assembly Tuesday, the provincial opposition parties demanded details from government about plans for cuts to school district budgets.

Liberal and Opposition Leader Dwight Ball said he believed the suggestion of a $7.5-million cut from the Eastern School District is just the beginning.

"Now, we've heard that there's going to be about $14 million in cuts from the province's education system, so I ask the premier, can you confirm that you're indeed looking at $14 million in cuts from the province's schools?" asked Ball.

Dale Kirby, the NDP MHA for St. John's North, asked how much other school boards would have to cut.

Education Minister Clyde Jackman confirmed that government asked the province's school districts to review their spending and look for ways to be more efficient with their budgets, but he said teaching staff would not be cut.

"The front line services for education have been protected," said Jackman.

Jackman said details for cost-saving measures will not be revealed until the provincial budget is announced on March 26.