June 23, 2009
DSBN Trustees Pass Balanced Budget
With Increased Supports for Students
At their meeting on Monday, June 22, Trustees of the District School Board of Niagara approved a budget of $372,795,088 for the 2009-10 school year. The average total cost of education per DSBN student for 2009/10 is projected to be $10,012, compared to $9,323 in 2008/09.
“It is especially encouraging that despite this time of economic uncertainty, we are still able to present a balanced budget that increases supports to both students and staff across our system,” said Kevin Maves, Chair of the Board.
Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki added that “this Board is dedicated to improving student learning, and this budget provides funding for programs that will support those efforts and enhance public education in Niagara.”
Highlights of the 2009-10 Budget include:
• Over $600,000 to extend full-day kindergarten programs to nine more schools with a total of 17 full-day kindergarten programs in DSBN schools. “We are very pleased to expand these programs, which help students increase their reading, math and communications skills,” said Carol Germyn, Superintendent of School Support Services.
• $150,000 to expand the Elementary Student Success program. Superintendent John Stainsby noted that “the current program has proven to be very effective at directing supports to Grade 8 students that need them the most. In fact, 85% of the students who took part in the program found success in high school and achieved the necessary number of credits by the end of Grade 9.”
• $200,000 for school learning resources such as library materials, supplies for drama, music and art, computers and technology.
• Funds for additional elementary Literacy Coaches to help students increase their reading and comprehension skills.
• More Instructional Coaches to assist secondary teachers increase their effectiveness.
The 2009/10 budget provides for $7 million for School Renewal Funding; the Board also previously approved an additional $26 million for school renovations and improvements through the Multi-Year Plan. Noted Finance Committee Chair Dalton Clark, “This is a significant injection of capital into Niagara’s economy at a time when it is badly needed.”
Included in the numerous infrastructure projects scheduled to move forward is a major new addition to St. Davids Public School and a new elementary school in the Town of Virgil. “The Virgil site is spacious, appropriate and in tune with the community’s wishes,” said Trustee Lynn Campbell.
This year’s budget approval process was not without its challenges. The DSBN continues to be underfunded in the area of Special Education. The Board currently receives $355.46 per special education needs student, while other boards across the province receive an average of $508.69 per student. In 2009-10 the Board will spend $4 million dollars over and above what it receives from the province. “Pulling additional funds from reserves to support students with Special Education Needs demonstrates the commitment of this Board to meeting the needs of all learners,” said Director Hoshizaki.
Trustee Clark also noted that declining enrolment will continue to present challenges for school boards. “With fewer children to educate, but with the same demands to maintain school buildings, the challenge of offering educational programs becomes more and more difficult. The DSBN, like other boards in Ontario will need to consider consolidating schools to maximize efficiencies and benefit children,” he said.