Rainbow District School Board approved a budget of $203.6 million for the 2018-2019 school year at its regular meeting on July 3.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to commend staff for re-aligning expenditures to revenues throughout the 2017-2018 school year,” said Rainbow District School Board Chair Doreen Dewar.
“We were well positioned to approve a balanced budget for 2018-2019 with a modest draw on reserves.”
The budget provides the financial framework for the board's ongoing implementation of strategic directions, with more investments in student success, special education, Indigenous education, experiential learning, 21st century learning, mental health and well-being.
In addition, the Ministry of Education is providing support to help Grade 7 and 8 students make successful academic transitions and engage in career and pathways planning.
Rainbow District School Board is projecting a decline of 171.5 full-time equivalent students this fall, primarily at the secondary level. Enrolment in Rainbow Schools is predicted to be 12,988 students.
A total of 74 per cent of the budget, or $151.5 million, has been allocated to salaries and benefits in keeping with the continued implementation of negotiated agreements.
The 2018-2019 budget reflects the full implementation of revenue decreases due to the School Board Efficiency and Modernization Strategy, which was introduced by the Province four years ago to reduce surplus school space. Once again, the Ministry of Education is providing additional funds for electricity costs and school renewal.
Rainbow District School Board operates 33 elementary school buildings and nine secondary school buildings in Sudbury, Espanola, Manitoulin and Shining Tree.
The Board also offers educational programs at Barrydowne College (a re-engagement school at Cambrian College), the N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, the Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, the Children’s Treatment Centre, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program, Frank Flowers School and Cecil Facer Secondary School.
