Trustees approve ALCDSB 2022-2023 school budget

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jun. 21, 2022, the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) Trustees approved an operating budget of $177,293,497 and a capital budget of $34,402,323 for the 2022-23 school year.  

According to a release from the school board, the budget reflects the funding information released by the Ministry of Education on February 17 and March 25, 2022. ALCDSB said that the budget demonstrates the commitment of the Board of Trustees in meeting the needs of ALCDSB students within the confines of the provincial funding model.

The budget aligns with the Board’s Strategic Plan and the Ministry of Education’s goal of preserving student supports that were put in place over the past two years, as the schools and community move into post-pandemic learning environments, according to the release.  

The ALCDSB serves approximately 12,000 students, employs over 1,400 full-time equivalent staff and covers a geographical area of more than 16,000 square kilometers.

“We are confident that this budget will promote the excellence in Catholic education that defines the ALCDSB,” said Tom Dall, Chair of the Board. “The 2022-2023 school year budget will support our staff and students, by providing them with access to functional and inclusive learning environments and invaluable supports such as a device equity plan.” 

Despite a 0.69 per cent decline in board-wide enrolment compared to 2021-22 revised estimates, David DeSantis, Director of Education, is hopeful that those numbers will increase.

“The decline we’re observing in the ALCDSB is largely reflected in our elementary enrolment numbers, predominately in first-year kindergarten. We anticipate these numbers will correct themselves as families continue with their registration process over the summer months,” he said.