The Northwest Catholic District School Board is set to vote on its budget for the 2007/08 school year at its final regular meeting of the current school year tomorrow in Sioux Lookout.
Administration will be presenting a balanced budget of about $14.4 million.
According to the report, this total represents a decrease of about 5.2 percent from last year’s budget—largely due to a reduction in staff.
The board was able to reduce expenditures by cutting staff by 22 full-time equivalent, most in teaching and education assistants.
The cuts were necessary as student enrolment is projected to decline by six percent next year, or about 77 full-time students.
The report also states a transfer of about $170,000 from reserves will be required to balance the budget.
Also at tomorrow’s meeting, the board will receive a report from administration recommending the elimination of core French in its primary division (Grades 1-3).
The Ministry of Education requires that French be taught from Grades 4-8 for all students in English-language elementary schools in Ontario.
Boards may offer French to younger students, but it is not funded by the ministry.
Also tomorrow, the board will:
•receive a report on student achievement initiatives;
•receive an update on summer facilities projects; and
•review its five-year capital projects plan.
The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
