The annual budget process is an important element of our corporate planning at the OCDSB. The budget is the allocation of resources which support our strategic plan, annual district goals and school improvement planning.
School boards are funded through Ontario’s "funding formula". The Ministry allocates funding to each board using a formula that’s based on student enrolment and the unique needs of the students in each board. School boards receive funding in two ways. First, education property taxes collected by the City of Ottawa go to the Board. Second, the Province tops up the amount to bring the OCDSB’s total up to the amount set out by the funding formula. The Province sets the education tax rate, not the school board trustees.
The annual budget process is perhaps the most challenging of all of our corporate planning processes because it brings us to the point where we can no longer focus on what we want to do, but rather what can we afford to do. There are a number of limitations which add to the pressure of the budget process, including, but in no way limited to the fact that almost all school board funding comes by way of provincial grants, the timing of the grants, the complexity of grant formulas and envelope funding, the number of special purpose and ad hoc grants, conflicting timelines between staffing, grant announcements, budget recommendation and budget approval.
Students are always our primary focus and we are committed to offering programs and services which challenge all students to achieve their personal best. We make efficient, effective, and innovative use of resources, based on sound planning, and the best available information. The budget allocates available resources to address student needs.
Every spring, the OCDSB develops the annual operating budget for the next school year. Guided by the commitments in our strategic plan, the budget outlines how funds will be spent to support students across the district in reaching their full potential.
School districts operate on a fiscal year that runs from September 1 to August 31. The District’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year must be approved by the Board before the end of June of the current year. To meet this timeline, several meetings are scheduled to obtain comment from the public, to provide the Board with an opportunity to establish the District’s priorities, and to refine the allocation of resources.
The tentative public meeting dates at which budget matters will be discussed are:
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Tuesday, December 11, 2023 |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Tuesday, February 20, 2024 |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Tuesday, March 19, 2024 |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Tuesday, May 14, 2024 |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Monday, May 27, 2024 |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Monday, June 3, 2024 |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Monday, June 10, 2024 (if required) |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Wednesday, June 12, 2024 (if required) |
Committee of the Whole, Budget |
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Monday, June 24, 2024 |
Board Meeting |
Budget Process and Updates
For information about the 2024-2025 budget process, including the financial landscape, frequently asked questions, and updates on Board and Committee of the Whole discussions, visit our consultation platform, Engage OCDSB. You have the option to use the platform as a guest or register to receive updates about key budget-related developments.
Participate in the Budget Process
Visit Engage OCDSB to stay up to date on the 2024-2025 budget and share your comments and questions.
Share Your Comments and Questions
Questions and comments can be shared through our Engage OCDSB platform until June 3, 2024. Comments will be shared with senior staff, and common questions will be answered in through the Frequently Asked Questions section on Engage OCDSB.
Please visit the Delegations webpage to learn how to appear as a delegation at a Board or Committee meeting.
OCDSB Budget FAQs
Every spring, the OCDSB is required to finalize our annual budget for the next school year. This plan outlines how funds will be spent to support students across the district.
The OCDSB serves roughly 77,000 students in 148 schools. We employ more than 10,000 people and have an annual budget of approximately $1 billion.
An education budget is much more than a fiscal spreadsheet. It’s an action plan outlining important investments to help all students reach their full potential. Behind the numbers, you will find:
- Educational assistants there for learners with complex needs
- New computers and technology to spark a love of STEM
- Accessibility upgrades, roof repairs, new water fountains and plumbing
- Mental health professionals, guidance councilors and wellness experts to support the well-being of students and staff
- Literacy training and new learning programs to boost reading skills
Below are the answers to some general questions about the budget. Where money comes from, where it is spent, and how you can share your thoughts.
Most of the funding school districts receive is attached to the average daily enrolment of students (ADE). Every student, depending on their grade and needs, receives funding to be used for salaries, supplies, technology, etc. The largest portion of ADE funding is called the Pupil Foundation Allocation and varies depending on the grade level of the student. Approximately 93% of our funding comes from provincial grants.
We are required to prepare a balanced budget. However, a school board is allowed to run a 1% deficit (of operating grants provided from the Ministry of Education) if it has surplus available to cover it. A separate plan must be prepared to inform the provincial government how this deficit will be eliminated.
Not really. Approximately 90% of the OCDSB budget is committed, which means that the Ontario government tells us how it can be spent. This could include meeting Ministry of Education requirements in certain program areas (such as special education or Indigenous education), staffing levels and salaries (set through provincial labour negotiations), or how much can be spent on building new schools or upgrading older buildings.
That leaves 10% of the budget able to be spent on areas recommended by OCDSB staff and trustees.
Our decisions are guided by a few key factors:
- Commitments in our strategic plan
- Obligations of all collective agreements
- Improved student learning, safety and well-being
- Future considerations (such as potential risks or changes to the community)
- Ministry legislation, regulations, policies and priorities.
The budget covers a fiscal year from September 1st until August 31st.
The Board of Trustees needs to approve the final budget by the end of June each year. This depends on a few key factors:
- Approval of academic staffing: The OCDSB must approve our annual staffing for the next academic year by the end of March. This approval represents approximately 60% of operating costs in our budget.
- Provincial funding announcements: Since the overwhelming majority of our funding comes from the provincial government, we are unable to finalize the staff-recommended budget until the Province announces how much money we will receive. This information typically comes in the early spring each year.