NEWS RELEASE
WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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The Wellington Catholic District School Board has approved a balanced budget that continues to ensure excellence in faith formation, learning and achievement. The 2018-19 budget was approved for final submission by trustees on Monday, May 28, 2018. The Board is projecting overall enrolment growth. The board received funding to hire a multi-disciplinary team to assist with special education needs, additional support for preparing for success in high school, and mental health workers.
This budget also represents additional investments in classroom technology, transportation and english language instruction. The board was able to implement operating efficiencies and expenditure reductions to offset revenue reductions and increased costs to submit a balanced budget.
Board Chair, Marino Gazzola, praised the work of senior administration and the finance department. “We were able to approve a balanced budget as a result of months of hard work by our senior team and the finance department. Their efforts have resulted in a balanced budget that allows us to continue to prioritize student learning and well-being that align with the priorities of our strategic plan.”
Director Tamara Nugent, noted that, “We are proud to serve our students in an inclusive, dynamic learning environment. Though our collaborative efforts we continue to invest in innovative and specialized programs such as the Primary Years International Baccalaureate, Specialist High Skills Major Programs at Secondary, English Language Learners, full day kindergarten and Special Education. We will also infuse additional personnel to realize the goals of our board mental health strategy.”
The 2018-19 budget represents total expenditures of $102.2. The board’s revised budget for 2017-2018 was $100.8. million. This budget represents a 1.4 per cent increase in total revenues and expenditures over the 2017-18 revised estimates. Aug. 31, 2017, the board had an accumulated surplus available for compliance of $ 7.7 million.
The projected balance for Aug. 31, 2018 remains the same. This budget does not require the use of any of the surplus balance. The approved budget will be submitted to the Ministry of Education by the June 30 deadline.
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