The Ottawa Catholic School Board has successfully balanced its books for the coming year, approving a $389-million budget for 2009-2010.

“As a fiscal conservative, I am proud to have supported three consecutive balanced budgets as a member of the Ottawa Catholic School Board,” said Orléans-Cumberland trustee Stephen Blais in a statement on Monday, June 15. “I am also pleased that our budget will enhance services for students at all levels at our schools.”

Included in next year’s budget are several new initiatives, including 15 additional special education teaching assistants, a supplementary 1.5 ESL teachers for intermediate students, $150,000 for Grade 9 and 10 science textbooks and $140,000 in funding for arts education at both the elementary and intermediate levels.

“Investing in arts programs will benefit our students throughout their lifetime,” added Blais. “Our budget will also help new Canadians with strategic investments to our ESL program.”

Beyond adding resources, the OCSB will also pay down $2 million in debt ahead of schedule, saving the board $513,000 over the next decade.

“Repaying this debt early will reduce the burden on future generations,” continued Katalin Sheskay, trustee for Beacon Hill-Cyrville/Innes. “The budget is balanced, we are increasing services to our students and we are paying down our debts ahead of schedule.”