HWDSB Trustees Approve 2018-19 Budget
The 2018-19 budget at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), approved on June 11, reflects the strategic direction set by the Board of Trustees in the areas of Positive Culture and Well-Being, Student Learning and Achievement, Effective Communications, School Renewal, and Partnerships.
“We’re pleased to see the continued funding of our strategic directions as we know that placing resources in these areas will benefit our students and lead to improved student achievement,” said Todd White, Chair of the Board.
The 2018-19 annual budget estimate is $577.3 million, a 2.8 per cent increase over last year’s operating budget. HWDSB continues to implement its elementary and secondary capital plan with the 2018-19 capital budget estimate at $144.9 million. Enrolment projection trends have increased with approximately 470 more elementary and secondary students.
A consultation was held where members of the community were given the opportunity to inform the Trustees on key issues and priorities. Investments to improve literacy and mathematics, school revitalization, special education, student supports and 21st century learning were identified areas and considered in decision-making.
“We also appreciate the voice of the community in helping shape our budget priorities, as this enables us to provide resources in the areas that matter to students and parents,” said White. “Through this budget, we are seeing a large amount of supports being made available to students to ensure they reach their full capabilities.”
The fiscal year for Ontario school boards runs from September 1 to August 31.
– 30 –
2018-19 HWDSB Budget Priorities
Improving Literacy:
- Additional Full-Day Kindergarten classes and Early Childhood Educators as a result of the reduction in the Full-Day Kindergarten class cap from 30 to 29
- Support all Early Years staffing since the Education Program Other (EPO) funding for some of this staff has ended
- Additional Reading Specialist positions
Improving Mathematics:
- Renewed Math Strategy resources and funding through EPO Grant
- More grade 4-8 classes as a result of funding to reduce class size from 24.75 to 24.50
School Revitalization:
- Capital budget includes $144.9 million in construction projects, including:
- $32 million allocated as part of the eight-year capital plan
- $102.9 million allocated for new school construction and major renovations
Special Education:
- Additional Educational Assistants (12.50 FTE) plus funding for transitional Educational Assistants
- Additional 3.0 special classes in secondary panel
- Additional 9.0 staff including 5.0 Board Certified Behaviour Analysts
- A Special Education Consultant position to support special education students with extraordinarily high needs
- Staffing to support students with complex needs
Student Supports:
- Additional elementary Vice-Principals and Office Administrators in High Priority Schools
- Additional elementary teachers to transition Grade 7 and 8 students to high school in High Priority Schools
- Mental Health Support Workers to meet the needs of students in secondary schools.
21st Century Learning:
- The 2018-19 Budget incorporates all costs for the rollout of Transforming Learning Everywhere
Media Contact:
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
T: 905.527.5092 x2941 | C: 905.515.6227
[email protected]
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.