"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 Susan Gibson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "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."
The updated budget revises the original 2023-24 budget approved last June, with enrolment amended to reflect an additional 831 students registered as of October 31 and considers further projections of estimated enrolment numbers by the end of March 2024. The increase means additional Grants for Student Needs revenue totalling $7.7 million. "It's inspiring to be able to meet the increasing needs that come with an increasing population across our district, and to renew our focus on our priorities in a really meaningful way," said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education.
"We are fortunate to continue this work together supporting learners on each of their unique paths to achievement at school and personal success; my thanks go to Superintendent Rafal Wyszynski and the Business Services team for their highly adept management of our Board's resources."
Significant changes include:
- An additional 25 elementary teachers, 7 secondary teachers, 14 designated early childhood educators, 15 educational assistants, and four permanent learning resource teachers to support enrolment growth across the region
- $780,000 for additional operating costs in facilities including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, as well as support for the rising costs of contracted services such as snow/ice removal, waste management and security
- $630,000 for additional professional development for educators
- $516,000 investment in technology providing enhanced access to devices, and to support inflationary costs related to software
An additional $2.7 million in deferred revenue from the 2022-23 school year will be used to invest directly into schools to support the areas of Special Education, Indigenous Education, Student Success and rural education funding.
The full report can be found here.
