WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) trustees approved the 2023-24 operating budget during a June 19 meeting with total operating expenditures of $119.5 million and a capital budget of $5.4 million.
The school board presented a planned deficit of $292,595 for 2023-24, and use an accumulated surplus to address the shortfall.
The board’s 2022-23 revised budget was $115.15 million. The 2023-24 budget represents a 3.8% increase year over year.
This year’s budget was challenging, officials say, as the board adjusted to the first year without COVID-19 recovery funding.
“We have worked diligently in this budget process to mitigate the deficit,” stated associate director Tracy McLennan in a press release.
Education director Michael Glazier stated, “We are proud of the efforts of our staff to serve our students in innovative, inclusive educational environments enriched by faith.
“Our budget prioritizes and aligns with foundational learning for future student success, an emphasis on student support and well-being, and unique programs and partnerships to promote experiential learning, including our Primary Years International Baccalaureate, outdoor learning, Specialist High Skills Major Programs in secondary schools, and much more.”
Enrolment is projected to increase from the current year. The continued growth is reflected in several capital projects planned for the 2023-24 school year, including a child care centre at St. Patrick School in Guelph and an eight-classroom addition at St. Joseph Catholic school in Fergus.
More details on the budget can be found at www.wellingtoncdsb.ca/apps/pages/financialinformation.
