Higher than expected enrollment means the Grand Erie District School Board will get an extra $7.7 million in provincial funding to hire new teachers and invest in school repairs and technology.
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The board approved an updated 2023-24 budget of about $379 million at a meeting this month factoring in an additional $7.7 million in grants for student needs, which are based on enrollment.
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That compares to the 2022-23 school year budget of $366 million.
A total of 831 more students than estimated at the start of the school year, including 575 elementary and 256 secondary, were registered with the board as of Oct. 31.
“The increased revenue means Grand Erie is in a good position to deliver on ambitious goals and collective priorities identified in its multi-year strategic plan related to learning, well-being and belonging,” said board chair Susan Gibson. “Making further investments in staffing and increased supports, programming and resources allows us to better serve the needs of learners and families and, mid-way through our strategic plan, we know how we can make the strongest impact.”
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Changes to the budget include:
- The hiring of 25 elementary teachers, seven secondary teachers, 15 educational assistants and four permanent learning resource teachers this school year to support enrollment growth across the region.
- $780,000 for additional operating costs in schools and other facilities, including those for plumbing, electrical and carpentry, and support the rising costs of contracted services, such as snow removal, waste management and security.
- $630,000 for additional professional development for educators.
- A $516,000 investment in technology, including software licenses, 400 new laptops, projectors, 2,800 device renewals and web development.
- An additional $2.7 million in deferred revenue from the 2022-23 school year will be used to invest directly into schools to support special education, Indigenous education, student success and rural education funding.
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The school board has 19,775 students attending 58 elementary schools and 8,056 students at its 14 secondary schools in Brantford and the counties of Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.
“Grand Erie is experiencing growth in every grade, more so in the secondary panel, as the enrollment increases in past years begin to move into Grades 9 to 12,” said Rafal Wyszynski, superintendent of business and treasurer, in a report to the board . “Increased enrollment resulted in increased revenue but is also accompanied by related costs such as transportation, additional teaching and support staff, portable purchases, as well as additional classroom furniture.”
Similar to the last school year, Wyszynski said the board will purchase 10 more laptops to house the growing number of students.
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