The Winnipeg School Division (WSD) Board of Trustees has approved a budget for the 2023/24 school year. The final budget being submitted to the province equals $454,832,200. Baseline WSD funding has increased by 4.1 percent, or $8,314,777, while last year's one-time funding of $17,342,427 has been added as permanent funding for next year and property tax levies for education remain frozen at 2020 levels. The education tax on the average home assessed value in WSD of $245,300 is $124.58 per month.
"This budget ensures existing programs and services remain in place," says Tamara Kuly, Finance Committee Chair, WSD Board of Trustees. "It also allows for a limited number of additional supports for students in the area of bilingual language programs and transportation, student support services and educational assistants."
Inclusive education will see the addition of approximately 25 educational assistants to support students with exceptional needs. As well, six bilingual language teachers will be hired to address the proposed new Filipino bilingual language program and the growing Spanish, Ukrainian, Cree and Ojibwe bilingual language programs.
Inflationary pressures have been considered in this budget but, Kuly says what is still unknown at this point are negotiated salary increases for teaching and non-teaching staff that could come into effect in coming years.
"Clearly, as a board, we're pleased to not have any cuts to programs and services in Winnipeg School Division next year, however, neither are we able to reinstate positions and programs that have been eliminated in the past five years due to chronic underfunding," says Kuly.
WSD continues to operate as one of the leanest administration teams in the Province, while providing direction, support and service to the largest school division. WSD administrative costs equal 2.6 percent of total spending, below the 2.7 percent mandated limit for all large urban school divisions in the province.
