Public school board approves 07-08 budget

Simcoe County District School Board trustees approved an operating budget of $440,676,300 and a capital budget of $23,168,947 during their regular board meeting on June 20.

"We have developed a balanced budget that is focused on student achievement and compliant with Ministry of Education requirements," states Chair Debra Edwards. "I am very pleased to note that we were able to align resources with the Board's goals and objectives to support student achievement, employee excellence, leadership and staff development, and safe, supportive environments."

"Our Business Services staff led by Superintendent Carol McAulay spent many long hours working with trustees and administration to develop a financial model that supports the learning needs of all students," adds Trustee Donna Armstrong, Chair of the Central Services Standing Committee.

The 2007-2008 budget:

• complies to Ministry requirements and is balanced and represents a $12.1 million increase from 2006-2007;

• aligns resources to Board's goals and objectives;

• responds to short-term enrollment decline of 722 pupils from 2006-2007 to 2007-2008;

• focuses support in classrooms to achieve student achievement gains, represented by improved literacy and numeracy for all students and improved graduation rates;

• provides school-based professional development for teachers, including demonstration classrooms and literacy and numeracy coaches;

• integrates professional development with program supports that honour diversity and difference among learners;

• supports a Kindergarten to Grade 12 community-based Family of Schools model.