Trustees approve 2021-2022 budget

Limestone Learning Foundation
Trustees approve 2021-2022 budget
Posted on 06/17/2021
Image of blocks spelling the words 2021 Budget

The Limestone District School Board of Trustees approved a balanced budget for the 2021-2022 school year totaling $280.7 million at its regular meeting on June 16, 2021.

The 2021-2022 budget is compliant with the Ministry of Education requirements, with total operating expenditures of $260.6 million, a decrease of approximately $1 million over last year’s expenditures. The capital expenditures budget for next year is $23.8 million and is used to fund school condition improvements and school renewal projects.

Staff have presented a balanced budget that directs services and supports with a focus on student achievement and well-being as outlined in the Board’s strategic priorities,” says Board Chair Suzanne Ruttan. “Reviewing and passing the budget is one of the Board’s most important roles as governors, and I would like to thank Trustees for their work, diligence and thoughtful enquiries to ensure our finite resources are directed in a manner that supports the vision and values of this Board.”

The majority of the operating budget is directed to student instruction and relates directly to classroom supports.

Some highlights of the 2021-2022 budget:

  • hiring of a human rights and equity officer (the Ministry of Education funds this position in some boards but not LDSB);
  • hiring of additional program staff to support equity, literacy and arts education; and
  • purchase of additional information technology equipment to support virtual learning and professional development.

“Trustees spent a considerable amount of time reviewing staff reports and input from stakeholders across our school communities to approve a budget that always keeps student at the forefront by funding classroom supports as much as possible,” says Vice-Chair Tom Gingrich, Chair of the Budget Committee. “Like every public school board across the province, we will continue to face ongoing budgetary challenges, and we will continue to advocate on behalf of students, families and staff to ensure appropriate and flexible funding.”

To review the full 2021-2022 Limestone District School Board Budget, please review the Budget Report.

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.