Recently, trustees with the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) approved a budget of $134.9 million for the 2017-2018 school year. Changes in the Grants for Student Needs, attrition and energy expenditures limited the deficit to just $252,781. This shortfall will be funded from the board’s Accumulated Surplus Fund.
“This budget demonstrates a sensible fiscal approach,” said RCDSB Chair Wendy Hewitt. “It honours our mission to provide a dynamic, inclusive and respectful learning environment that supports and encourages individual achievement and well-being and sustains investments that benefit students and staff.”
Budget 2017-2018 increase in expenditures of $6.4 million which is an increase of 5% over last year’s budget. The majority of this increase – $5 million – is a result of provincially negotiated labour agreements with our unionized employee groups. This included increases to salaries, direct funding to a benefit trust and additional staffing allocations with the union groups.
The Board received additional grants over the past four years for Special Education with $1.2 million being directed to provide additional programming resources.
An increase of approximately $3 million has been earmarked for capital renewal projects, including new LED lighting at Mackenzie Community School and Champlain Discovery PS as well as a portable at Valour JK-12 School and the replacement of an electrical substation at Opeongo High School.
“This budget provides for stable enrollment year over year from budgetary perspective,” said Ms. Hewitt. “It will allow us to continue to invest in our strategic priorities including expanding our Information Communication and Technology Plan across more schools giving students more opportunities to hone their digital learning, creativity and critical thinking skills. Similarly, we will introduce our Pathways to Thrive well-being initiative this fall which will benefit both students and staff.|
The approved budget will now be presented to the ministry.
The Board operates 21 elementary school facilities and 7 secondary school facilities within Renfrew County and South Algonquin Township.
