On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the OCDSB presented the staff recommended budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The total operating budget is approximately $1.1 billion and the capital budget is $140.3 million.
The OCDSB operates on a fiscal year that runs from September 1 to August 31. Prior to the start of each fiscal year, we are required to approve a budget before the end of June that articulates how the District will use its resources to meet the needs of its students and the broader school community.
After several years of using the accumulated surplus to balance deficits in the operating budget, the 2023-2024 budget was forecasted to have a continued shortfall, due in part to the anticipated removal of $10.0 million in COVID-19 funding and changes in provincial transfer payments. Recognizing this, the Board realized $2.3M in savings through academic staffing, understanding that further reductions would need to be made in the operating budget. On receipt of provincial education funding, a more detailed analysis was undertaken and a budget shortfall of $19.0 million was confirmed.
In preparing this budget, the focus of our work this year was to find budget savings opportunities, while maintaining the high quality of programs and services that we offer. At the same time, the needs of organizations change and where possible we have made some key strategic investments.
In developing the budget, staff has made every effort to:
- align the budget with strategic priorities;
- meet Ministry, regulatory and collective agreement obligations;
- maintain core services and supports;
- prioritize services and supports for students who may be at risk, students who have traditionally been underserved by typical structures, and students with the highest needs;
- consider the impact on the overall budget, including other staff supports that may be required to meet student needs and District priorities; and
- consider potential funding and funding parameters.
Your feedback matter
The budget was presented to trustees on May 31. There will be opportunities for further discussion and public delegations at the next Committee of the Whole (Budget) meeting on June 6. Additional meetings for discussion and to potentially vote on the budget are tentatively scheduled for June 12th and 19th. See our calendar for more details.
To review the staff recommended budget and additional supporting documents, please visit our Budget 2023-2024 page.
Please send your comments to [email protected]