Skip to content

Catholic school board plans to spend $266M next year

Budget represents the second year of a multi-year financial recovery plan
coins money budget increase
Stock image

NEWS RELEASE

SIMCOE MUSKOKA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

*************************
On Wednesday evening, the Board of Trustees for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board passed a balanced operating budget for the 2017-2018 school year in the amount of $265,942,322.

This budget includes a small reserve that will be built upon over the next two years to approximately 1 per cent of operating revenues. This budget represents the second year of a multi-year financial recovery plan, and is projected to be ahead of target.

Last year, the board implemented a number of cost-cutting measures in order to address a deficit situation and deliver a balanced budget for 2017-2018.

Despite significant pressures in school operations, including higher utility costs, the board was able to deliver a budget that exceeded its goals and has allowed for a $1.4 million surplus. 
 
"We are still in a time of recovery and delivering a balanced budget is a challenge when we continue to face funding pressures and increased utility costs," said Brian Beal, director of education. "I want to give credit to our schools who have made tremendous efforts to reduce costs wherever possible. We have seen a reduction in paper usage as a result of schools adopting 21st Century technologies for teaching and communication - not only is this engaging for students and families, but it demonstrates environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility."
 
************************