An operating budget of $329,510,771 was approved by the Upper Grand District School Board at its meeting on June 25.
The budget for the 2013-14 school year is a good News story that does not include a deficit, is balanced and in compliance with Ministry of Education requirements, states a press release from the board office.
The number of Educational Assistants (EAs) and Child and Youth Counsellors (CYCs) are maintained. Special Education spending continues to be higher than the grant allocation provided by the Ministry.
Declining enrolment in both the elementary and secondary panels means fewer teachers in the classroom. This is offset in elementary with the introduction of full day kindergarten which will be in place in 42 elementary schools in September. There will also be more Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in the system as the program expands. The smaller complement of teachers does not mean layoffs due to attrition and retirements.
Director of education Martha Rogers noted the focus is on improving operational efficiencies. Staff were praised by trustees for the hard work done in reducing costs and finding savings to the benefit of students. Along with the operating budget a capital budget of $68,008,570 was also approved and represents the costs of renovating for full day kindergarten, major capital building projects and school renewal. The board is building a number of new schools during the year, expected to open in September, 2014.
