Catholic Board Approves Balanced Budget For 2014-2015

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Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board trustees approved a final budget Monday evening for the 2014-15 fiscal year.

“This budget acknowledges the challenges we have faced together, but still upholds the principles to which we adhere,” said Board Chairperson Barbara Holland. “It provides a roadmap for how we’ll continue meeting the high standards we’ve set for ourselves well into the future.”

The budget conservatively anticipates a revenue shortfall of about $5.4 million compared to the previous year.

The board says that considering Grants for Student Needs, fees and other grants, total revenues are estimated at about $246.1 million, down from the $251.5 million the board received last year.

Board expenditures are estimated at $245 million, down from the $246.3 million it spent last year. Most expenses are labour-related costs, which account for about 82 per cent of total spending.

Despite a revenue shortfall, administration still added English as a Second Language and Special Education teachers; added resources for French Immersion, ESL and Psychology test updates; incorporated additional transportation costs to reflect route plans and schedule changes for next fall; and, provided for cost increases for school operations and maintenance.

The board anticipates an in-year surplus of about $1.1 million, with a total accumulated surplus of about $11.6 million.

Board Director Paul Picard praised administrators for creating a responsible budget under difficult circumstances, and trustees for acknowledging the challenges they faced.

“This board remains committed to be among the best performing school boards in Ontario, and this budget is a testament to that commitment,” Picard said. “It successfully positions us to continue offering the top quality faith-based educational programming we’ve become known for, and it does so in a fiscally responsible manner.”