The province's ministry of education appears to have a fight on its hands for asking school boards to find savings in order to pay for support staff.

School District 43 board chair Melissa Hyndes said she's hoping the local board will follow the lead of other school districts around the province in opposing the government's request.

"There are no savings," she told The NOW.

The issue stems from a letter sent to school boards across the province earlier this month asking boards to find savings of 1.5 per cent for support staff salaries this year, and an additional 1.5 per cent next year.

However, the boards have been told the savings must be real and measurable and must not have a negative impact on educational programs or transfer costs on to the public.

"Where do you find savings like that?" Hyndes questioned, noting some districts will have a surplus next year and could use that as a one-time offering.

However, in the case of SD 43 and many other districts in B.C., she hinted next year would be very difficult financially.

Hyndes said she didn't know what kind of an impact a 1.5 per cent cut would have on the district.

The board is expected to sit down before Christmas to discuss a response to the province.

Though Hyndes said she couldn't speak on behalf of the other politicians, she wants the board to take a united stand with the other boards and oppose the request.