Grand Erie school board to hire 49 more teachers

The Grand Erie District School Board has approved a $397-million operating budget for the 2024-2025 school year.

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As an increase in student enrollment continues to drive revenue, Grand Erie’s operating budget increased by about $28 million from last year.

Rafal Wyszynski, superintendent of business and treasurer, said the priority is on investments in staffing supporting the classroom, with new teaching positions and permanent educational assistant positions added. There is also increased funding for professional development and technology, with a significant portion of funding dedicated to the board’s Math Achievement Action Plan.

Provincial testing results released last October showed the Grand Erie District School Board made some modest improvements but continues to be below the provincial average in all areas of assessment.

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The results indicate the percentage of students who reached the provincial standard – roughly equal to a B grade – in math was 50 per cent in Grade 3; 37 percent in Grade 6; and 39 percent in Grade 9.

Eighty-five new staff members will be hired for the next school year, including 49 teachers, 15 permanent educational assistants and seven early childhood educators.

Significant non-staffing investments include additional transportation funding, technology infrastructure, classroom resources and facility operating costs.

A capital budget of $23.5 million was also approved by the school board to be used for investments in buildings, school grounds, renovations and repairs.

Total projected student enrollment is expected to be 27,900 for the next school year, up about 900 pupils from the 2023-2024 estimated budget.

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Director of Education JoAnna Roberto said the operating budget involved input from the community, including students, staff members and parents, who offered suggestions on how to best allocate funding.

“We have a strong financial base and have purposefully and strategically aligned this budget to reflect our commitment to student learning and well-being,” said Roberto. “Additional investments in technology and professional learning for educators will continue to support strong instructional practices and classroom resources to maximize learning and impact.”

The fiscal year for Ontario school boards runs from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. Both the Grand Erie’s operational and capital budgets have been submitted to the Ministry of Education.

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