Written by Stephen Blais -- Sunday, June 14, 2009
Orléans-Cumberland Catholic School Board Trustee Stephen Blais today announced the Ottawa Catholic School Board has approved a balanced budget for the 2009-2010 school year totaling $388.5 million.
“As a fiscal conservative, I am proud to have supported three consecutive balanced budgets as a member of the Ottawa Catholic School Board,” said Catholic Board Trustee Blais. “I am also pleased that our budget will enhance services for students at all levels at our schools."
The 2009-2010 budget will incorporates the following new initiatives that directly benefit students and further enhance student and staff success:
- 15 additional Special Education Teaching Assistants
- 1.5 ESL teachers to support intermediate students
- 3.5 additional staff for HR Leadership Development Branch
- $120,000 additional start-up funding for St. Francis Xavier High School
- $150,000 for additional grade 9 and 10 science textbooks
- $165,000 to continue Kindergarten tutoring program in six Children Support schools
- $170,000 for child care support to enhance ESL training program
- $110,000 for Elementary arts education including music, dance, drama and fine art
- $30,000 for Intermediate and Secondary arts education
“Investing in arts programs will benefit our students throughout their lifetime,” adds Trustee Blais. “Our budget will also help new Canadians with strategic investments to our ESL program.”
In addition to these enhancements the board will pay down $2 million in debt early - the move will save the board $513,000 over the next ten years.
"Repaying this debt early will reduce the burden on future generations," adds Blais. "The budget is balanced, we are increasing services to our students and we are paying down our debts ahead of schedule."
The budget highlights areas where the Board provides programs and services that are distinctive in their Catholic vision. The budget also provides educational programming for approximately 37,200 students with enrollment growth of 0.2% at the secondary level and a decrease of 3% for the elementary level.
