Algoma District School Board Approves 2017/18 Balanced Budget

Jun 22, 2017 @ 09:03

At the Board Meeting held on Tuesday, June 20th the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) approved a total budget for expenditures and revenue, including transfers to and from reserves, for the 2017-18 budget year in the amount of $153,240,287.

 

Within this budget, the Board has committed to the continuation of:

• Support for Board Improvement Plan (Achievement, Well-being and Engagement)
• Professional Development for Teachers – Math and Technology
• Educational Technology Leads in all schools
• Early Learning Kindergarten Program
• Upgrade our Wireless Access Points in schools for improved access
• Capital Improvements to the learning environments in all our schools (i.e. Learning Commons)

 

Also, due to prudent management of budgets in 2016-17, the Board was able to implement some one-time expenses in the following areas before the end of August, 2017 that will be enhancements for the 2017-18 school year. Many of these one-time expenses have a technology focus which is becoming increasingly important to students and staff in the learning environment. The one-time expenses include the following:

• Information Technology Infrastructure – upgrade schools for access of 3MB per student
• Building and Grounds Improvements in schools (New Learning Commons Furniture)
• Replacement of Mounted Projectors in classrooms with new wireless and LED technology
• New IPads and Winbooks
• Technology supports for Special Education

 

The following new enhancements are included in 2017/18 through a combination of reallocations of existing budgets and new Ministry funding:

• Additional Math Lead Teachers
• Supports for English Language Learners
• Supports for Safe Schools and Special Education Needs
• Indigenous Grad Coaches
• French Immersion Program Testing (DELF)
• Capital Improvements – Boreal French Immersion Renovation and Refreshing Classrooms/Exterior sites at many other schools – $20 million in projects
• Technology Improvements and increased devices for students in schools

 

Senior Board Administration recognizes the need for careful management of public expenditures during this time of continued economic uncertainty in the Province. Staff are now awaiting additional special project funding announcements and September 2017 enrolment figures. This may result in additional enhancements for 2017-18.