At the June 19 public Board meeting of the York Region District School Board, trustees approved a balanced operating budget of $1.71B for the 2024-2025 school year.
"The budget has been informed by authentic feedback captured through our public consultation surveys, advisory committee input and staff input," said Chair of the Board, Ron Lynn. "Families will be happy that the 2024-2025 budget is balanced and addresses key areas they identified as essential to student achievement and well-being."
"This process ensures that the budget aligns with the needs of our students and feedback from the community and educators," said Director of Education, Bill Cober. "The priority areas identified in this budget are student-focused; classroom-based support staff; resources and technologies in the classroom; mental health and well-being; and equity."
Highlights of the 2024-2025 budget include:
- Funding for primary literacy teachers and resource support to provide each Kindergarten to Grade 2 class with early reading screening tools.
- Investment in a technology cost sharing program to support school fundraising for computer devices in schools.
- Investment in student technology devices to support teaching and learning in classrooms.
- Additional special education staffing as well as funding for additional social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and special education resource teachers to address students' special needs, health and well-being.
- Funding to enhance support for secondary students learning multiple languages.
- Funding for Indigenous student advisors, an equity consultant and additional graduation coaches to support underperforming and underserved students to enhance graduation rates.
"We have listened and responded to the needs of York Region students, families and educators," said Trustee Michael Chen, Finance and Property Standing Committee Chair. "The Board has delivered a balanced budget that prioritizes the learning and professional needs of York Region students and staff."
"Taking a consultative and informed approach to allocating school board funds helps educators deliver high-quality classroom programming that is responsive to student needs," said Associate Director and Chief Financial Officer, Vidyia Maharaj. "The result is better learning outcomes for all students."
