The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has delivered a balanced budget for the 2021-2022 school year despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic.
"As we look ahead to the next school year, the pandemic is still creating a fair bit of uncertainty," said Board Chair Fulvio Valentinis. "However, administration has prepared a very prudent financial plan which still makes important investments to support our most vulnerable students while maintaining the stability of our excellent programs."
Trustees signed off on $273.2-million in spending.
The budget also includes a $2.3-million deficit. That will be paid for through the board's accumulated surplus. The Ministry of Education allowed boards to use their surpluses to fund deficits last year so long as the spending was related to COVID-19 expenses, and it did not exceed two percent of their operating expenditures. It is below that threshold.
"It's our responsibility to use all funds available to ensure that we continue to meet the needs and expectations of our students and their families," said Director of Education Terry Lyons. "This budget allows for the safe operation of our schools."