Staff for the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBE0) presented trustees with the draft 2021-2022 budget report during their June 8 session. The report projects a $205 million budget, covering both day-to-day operations and also capital expenses.
“To begin our evening with some very positive news,” stated Bonnie Norton, CDSBEO associate director, “we are projecting an envolment increase of 190 FTE (full-time equivalent students) for the 2021-2022 school year, mainly in the secondary panel. At this time, our projections are showing that elementary enrolment is showing a slight increase of 69 FTE when compared to 2020-2021.”
The draft budget includes $199.3 million for district operations and about $5.7 million for capital expenses. Specific details are not available yet for the capital works portion of the draft budget.
Salaries and benefits for all staff make up 77 per cent of the operations portion of the budget and will total about $152.8 million. Supplies and services, projected travel costs, professional development expenses, utilities, contract services, and other operation expenses are projected at $35 million. The CDSBEO expects to have a balanced budget proposal to present for approval to the Ontario Finance Ministry before the start of September.
The CDSBEO is preparing to resume in-school learning in September. Some exceptions may be allowed during the first half of the term for elementary students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 to choose remote learning for their programs. Use of remote learning during the second half of the school year will depend on directives and funding from the Education Ministry.
Norton noted that the CDSBEO will continue with the quadmester setup for secondary schools and that the ministry requires in-class studies for all secondary school programs. She observed that school cafeterias should be open at secondary schools but there will be “limited offerings” for school menus. The CDSBEO is working on plans for “grab-and-go” and pre-packaged meal options for students who do not bring their own lunches.
CDSBEO trustees will receive the final budget plan report on June 15 for review and approval.
