June 19th, 2023
Trustees approved and ratified the 2023-2024 school year budget at the June 19, 2023, Committee of the Whole Meeting.
The total operating budget for the school year is approximately $848,363,645 and the capital budget is $95,615,379.
You can find the full Budget Report here.
Identifying Savings for the 2023-2024 School Year
Due to a variety of fiscal pressures (e.g. short-term supply costs, transportation, commodities and services), the 2023-2024 budget was forecasted to have a shortfall of $13.21M.
Recognizing this, the WRDSB took action to identify $6.43M in savings through reductions to central staff positions, as well as a reduction in spending on technology and other commodities. In working through this process, we were able to ensure that total allocation of school and support staff across the WRDSB has not changed.
Finance worked with the leadership team, information technology services and facility services to identify savings that would not directly impact school operations and classrooms. Staff also ensured that the budget:
- aligns with our strategic priorities;
- meets Ministry, regulatory and collective agreement obligations; and
- centred students especially those most marginalized.
About the WRDSB Budget
The WRDSB’s fiscal year runs from September 1 to August 31. Each June, a budget is presented for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget outlines how programs that support strategic priorities will be funded. The Board of Trustees is responsible for reviewing and approving the budget.