Two local school boards approve balanced budgets

Both local school boards have approved balanced operating and capital budgets for the 2023-24 school year.

The Grand Erie District School Board, which includes more than 26,000 students at 58 elementary and 14 secondary schools, has ratified an operating budget of just over $369 million, up $13.5 million over last year, resulting from increased revenues.

This allows for key investments, said Rafal Wyszynski, superintendent of business and treasurer, such as increased classroom supports, a focus on math and early literacy instruction, supports for student mental health and well-being, and continued renewal projects and upgrades to buildings and facilities to accommodate growing populations.

“Our goal is to maintain the positive momentum generated in the last school year, enhance educational experiences and further invest in classroom resources,” said Wyszynski.

About $27 million in Grand Erie’s capital budget will be used for investments into buildings, renovations and repairs.

Trustees of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board have approved a 2023-24 school year budget of $183.6 million, including $165.9 million for operations and $17.7 million for capital.

“Developing the 2023-24 budget presented several challenges, however, guided by the 2020-23 strategic plan, every effort has been made to limit the impact on students,” said board chair Rick Petrella. “We were able to prioritize student learning; student and staff mental health, well-being and safety; and engagement while presenting a balanced budget.

“We were pleased that staff were able to maintain or increase classroom-based staffing levels despite the expiration of the COVID-19 Learning Recovery Fund.”

Tracey Austin, manager of communications for the Catholic school board, said enrollment has continued to increase and staffing is going up across the board. She said they are “currently interviewing for numerous positions and will continue to do so for the rest of the summer and into the fall.”

The Grand Erie board’s budget includes the hiring of 76 additional staff positions across the district, including teachers, child and youth workers, educational assistants, clerical staff, and custodial services personnel.

Grand Erie’s total projected student enrollment is 27,000, up about 1,140 from the 2022-23 school year.

“Our financial achievements in Grand Erie tell a story of strong growth and forward momentum,” said JoAnna Roberto, director of education. “The communities our schools serve are growing and with that comes exciting opportunities as we work towards meeting needs and expectations to deliver the best education and school experiences possible.”

The board is using revenue generated by enrollment growth to preserve positions previously supported by the learning recovery program and tutoring support funds, both one-time, limited ministry-funded allocations.

Petrella said the Catholic board has again “experienced tremendous growth in our student enrollment and is extremely excited to welcome over 250 new students to Catholic elementary and secondary schools.” This represents about a 2.2 per cent increase in enrollment from the previous year.

The Catholic board will use capital funding for HVAC upgrades, site work, asphalt, roofing and accessibility enhancements. The board is also preparing for a new secondary school in Brantford and a new elementary school in Caledonia.