Following the Regular Meeting of the Board on December 9, the Grand Erie District School Board is submitting its Revised Budget Estimates for the 2024-25 school year to the Ministry of Education. The estimates are based on higher-than-anticipated enrolment numbers, which resulted in greater revenue generation.
"The additional revenue provides an opportunity to address immediate needs in our schools and to enhance support for students and staff further," says Susan Gibson, Chair of the Board. "Any opportunity to invest in staff, classrooms and resources will ensure we deliver a culture of learning, well-being and belonging."
The updated budget revises the original 2024-25 budget approved last June, with enrolment amended to reflect an additional 120 students registered as of October 31 and considers further projections of estimated enrolment numbers by the end of March 2025. The increase means additional Core Education Funding revenue totalling $1.5 million.
"We're excited to welcome more students and families to Grand Erie as we cultivate an environment where all students reach their full potential," says JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education. "The increased staffing, enhanced technology and expanded resources will directly impact students."
The revised budget prioritizes strategic investments that align with Grand Erie's Multi-Year Strategic Plan:
- 11.5 temporary educational assistants, 8 designated early childhood educators, 1.5 child and youth workers, 1.5 custodial staff, and 1 elementary teacher
- $170,000 investment in technology providing enhanced access to devices and to support inflationary costs related to software
- $40,000 for additional professional development for educational assistants
- $30,000 for additional clerical support for schools
- Increased spending within the Indigenous Board Action Plan with investments to support math, literacy and reengagement.
An additional $1.9 million in deferred revenue from the 2023-24 school year will be invested directly in schools to support Special Education, Indigenous Education, French as a Second Language, Student Success, Rural and Northern Education Funding, and Experiential Learning.
"By leveraging increased revenue and deferred funds strategically, we're ensuring that every dollar is invested in ways that benefit students and schools," says Rafal Wyszynski, Superintendent of Business and Treasurer.
The full report can be found here.
