Public board approves total budgets worth $535M
Trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board approved a balanced budget for the 2018-2019 school year that reflects growth in enrolment and services. After hearing a comprehensive breakdown of the numbers by Cathy Lynd, the superintendent of business, the board approved an operating budget of $459.7 million and a capital budget of $75.2 million at a Tuesday meeting. “It is a balanced budget with no significant changes,” Lynd said. The operating budget is nearly $16 million more than 2017-2018 due to increases in enrolment, staffing and transportation costs. “We’re thrilled to have a balanced budget,” said Kim McKinley who chairs the board. Projections call for an increase of 482 students at the elementary level, and 217 at the secondary level, as well as 54 more elementary teachers and 12 at the secondary level. The budget accounts for 29 additional educational assistants, 13 additional support staff and eight more early childhood educators. New in next year’s numbers are additional services from the Ministry of Education calling for eight guidance teachers who will move through the elementary panel to support students in grades 7 and 8 with the transition to high school. “In many ways it’s a good news budget,” said Erin Kelly, director of education. “We were able to get new things from the Ministry of Education that support our students.” Kelly also noted an increase in international students. The budget indicates an increase of 56 international students representing additional revenue of $821,000. Transportation costs jumped $1.9 million due to increased operational costs and increased enrolment. The capital budget includes $35.3 million earmarked for six new school builds including Kingsville K-12, Giles elementary, North Shore French Immersion, Prince Andrew elementary, Amherstburg dual campus and Eastwood/ Parkview elementary, as well as an addition to Queen Elizabeth. The capital budget includes $20.6 million for school condition improvements.