Catholic board approves balanced budget

Following extensive consultations and deliberations, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) trustees approved a balanced budget of $1.078 billion for 2016-2017 at its June 3 meeting.

To achieve a balanced budget, the trustees approved $16.4 million in expenditure savings designed to minimize direct impact on students and support the board’s continued focus on student achievement and well-being. The approved budget includes plans to identify an additional $2 million in savings to be found during the year through efficiencies that do not impact students in the classroom. Any staff reductions will also be first achieved through retirements and attrition.

“It has been a difficult process,” says vice-chair Frank D’Amico. “Given the size of the accumulated deficit, and the increase to costs in many areas, combined with provincial government funding cuts—we had to make some tough decisions. We have done what we can to minimize the impact on the students in the classroom, but we have had to consider some reductions in order to stay on track with our multi-year recovery plan.”

Since 2014 the Ministry of Education has cut the board’s funding by $32.9 million, with further announced cuts of approximately $8.5 million to come in each of the next two years (2016-17, and 2017-18).  This means that TCDSB is dealing with provincial funding reductions totaling almost $50 million ($49.9), while also looking to eliminate the accumulated deficit which is estimated to be $22.3 million at the end of this program year (August 31, 2016). Under the Education Act, school boards must balance their budgets.

“The board appreciates the involvement of our parents, students, staff and Catholic school supporters in the discussions surrounding the budget,” says director of education Angela Gauthier. “It is never easy to talk about reductions to spending, however we are appreciative of the feedback that was provided, and the ideas came forward during the consultation process.”

Highlights of the 2016-2017 budget include:

• $8.2 million in savings achieved through reduction of 118.5 positions, including 56 educational assistants, 6 vice principals, and increased efficiencies in planning and evaluation time in elementary schools;
• $4.6 million in savings through increased board administration, central office and transportation efficiencies;
• $1.6 million in revenues from “after-hours” community parking charges, and permit revenues; and
• $2 million to be found through ongoing in-year efficiencies

With an annual budget of more than $1 billion, the TCDSB is one of Toronto’s largest employers, with over 14,000 employees who are responsible for the daily education of close to 91,000 students in 200 schools.