HWDSB’s Approves Budget for 2023-24
Hamilton, Ontario – June 22, 2023: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) Trustees approved a balanced budget of $650.85 million that aligns resources to school operations and Board priorities. Click here for a 2023-24 Budget Infographic.
There are 51,555 students estimated to be enrolled for the 2023-24 school year. The increase in enrolment in both panels has resulted in additional teaching staff positions.
Dawn Danko, Chair of the Board, shared the following statement:
“Trustees are pleased to pass a balanced budget that prioritizes student learning and well-being. Trustees worked through a challenging budget, especially since the province discontinued the $7.1 million COVID-19 Learning Recovery fund. We are grateful to be able to preserve the level of staffing from the past year, but we also acknowledge the ongoing need for additional supports for students. We continue to advocate for increased funding for public education to support quality programming and services that meet the needs of all students.”
The budget is HWDSB’s fiscal plan to deliver programs and services that support strategic priorities. The six-month development process saw consultation with the Finance & Facilities Committee, Executive Council and Trustees.
Highlights include:
Human Rights and Equity
- Supporting the Equity Action Plan and resources to support Human Rights
- Maintaining one Graduation Coach, one Employment Equity Officer, and a Human Rights Program Co-ordinator
Indigenous Education
- Funding to support the realignment of Indigenous Education funding
- Commitment to support the Indigenous Education Circle Strategic Action Plan
Class Size
- Compliance with all Ministry class size and other regulatory requirements has been achieved
Math Recovery
- A Superintendent of Student Achievement assigned to Board Lead of Math, K-12
- Math facilitators for grades 3, 6 and 9
Secondary School Programing
- Support for de-streaming in the Grade 9 Program
- Supports for the transition to high school
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Expansion
Specialized Services
- Adding nine Child and Youth Care Practitioners and two specific supports for students
- Support is provided to secondary students in Special Education classes through 2 additional classes
Well-Being
- Maintaining four Social Workers to support Mental Health and Well-Being
- Making a permanent position for a Social Worker supporting Black Youth
- Continued work with Human Rights and Equity Advisor
School Renewal
- Plan for school revitalization and maintenance is incorporated into the 2023-24 Capital Budget
Transportation
- A new funding model for transportation is anticipated to break even on transportation costs for the Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services.
With a fiscal year that starts on September 1, all Ontario school boards must develop and maintain a balanced budget that complies with the Ministry of Education requirements.
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Media Contact
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager of Communications and Community Engagement
905-515-6227 | [email protected]
Updated on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.