The Windsor Essex Catholic Education Centre. (Photo by Alexandra Latremouille)The Windsor Essex Catholic Education Centre. (Photo by Alexandra Latremouille)
Windsor

Despite provincial cuts, Catholic school board balances budget

Saying it will provide Catholic schools with financial stability over the next school year, trustees with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board have approved a balanced budget.

"This is a responsible budget that puts us on solid financial ground and allows us to provide the excellent service that our students and their families have come to expect from us," said Board Chair Fulvio Valentinis.

One of the challenges facing the school board was a cut in the Grants for Student Need funding, money from the province. It will receive $12,246 in 2019-2020, down $54 per student. A projected increase in enrolment helped make up the loss.

"This has been a challenging year due to some of the funding changes and timelines we were facing, but we still managed to create a balanced budget that reflects our strategic priorities for the coming year," said Executive Superintendent of Business Penny King.

The board will also spend $3.6 million more than what it receives in grant funding, so students with special needs are supported.

Last week, trustees with the Greater Essex County District School Board passed a balanced budget worth $463 million.

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