Staff
The Northwest Catholic District School Board approved its 2017-18 budget at its final regular meeting of the school year on Saturday at St. Patrick’s School in Atikokan.
The board approved the operating deficit budget of $102,947, with a compliance deficit of $214,035 (a result of the requirement to continually pay off a portion of the employee future benefits liability), and the capital budget of $3,270,000.
Budgeted revenues total $25,187,643 while budgeted expenses are $25,290,590.
The budget continues a strong emphasis on Catholic education, with continued updates to religious education resources and support for teachers to obtain the Religious Education Additional Qualification courses.
Other focuses of the budget include the expansion of the French Immersion program to Grade 3 at Sacred Heart and St. Michael’s Schools, changes in senior administration, increases in staffing, and the ministry focus on the Renewed Math Strategy.
“We are very pleased that this budget continues to support priorities of the board so that our students are participating in quality academic programs within a strong faith-based environment,” said board chair David Sharp.
“I am also pleased that there are new investments in areas that our stakeholders identified as important during our community consultations,” he added.
The board also approved the development of an action plan leading to the opening of a Catholic secondary school in Dryden, as well as the appointment of Brendan Hyatt as director of education effective Sept. 1.
Also at Saturday’s meeting, trustees:
•approved the 2018 board meeting schedule;
•received reports highlighting the Leading Student Achievement Research Project and the Teacher Learning and Leadership Program;
•heard this year’s facilities report, presented by Superintendent of Business Seija Van Haesendonck; and
•recognized the exemplary dedication and commitment of Shawndra Morden, an educational assistant at St. Patrick’s School.
