Committee of the Whole Budget: June 3, 2024
The Committee of the Whole Budget meeting for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board took place on June 3, 2024. Staff brought forward one report for discussion. Report 24-080 on the Staff Recommended Budget for discussion. This report brought for the unconsolidated 2024 to 2025 operating budget of $1,169,323,005 and the capital budget of $127,838,114 which creates a balanced budget for discussion.
As outlined in the Education Act, school boards must plan for a balanced budget before the start of each school year. The school system fiscal year starts on September 1. If the District chooses not to pass a balanced budget, then we run the risk of the Ministry taking over the school board.
During the discussion, I asked the following questions:
Question (timestamp 13:16): The estimated average daily enrolment for 2024 to 2025. This year our estimates were off. What is the margin of error for these estimates?
Answer: The margin of error for the estimates, is difficult to answer because there are a lot of factors that impact estimates. We did not anticipate the change in enrolment last year. It is the most comfortable estimate we could make.
Question: If we wanted to take an even more conservative approach to the estimates, could we? Are the estimates a range or is this just one specific number?
Answer: Everything we do is based on enrolment estimates. It is not something we can quickly change or adjust. It would force us to look for cuts. If we were off by a significant amount, the Ministry has protections in place for factors outside of our control. It is not built to adjust.
Question (timestamp 1:24:01): If you were given direction to find a surplus in the budget, do you have any idea where you could find it or is this the tightest budget?
Answer: I cannot imagine trying to find more budget surplus. With the changes in Bill 124, we are in the reality of the budget. We cut $19 million dollars to create a balanced budget from last year. The risk levels are still out there. We do not have an accumulated surplus and it would not be wise to cut dollars.
Question: In relation to our other school boards, how are we compared for special education?
Answer: Our situation is unique because we are a large city close to a children’s hospital. There is no set formula for our spending on special education.
Please note, that the opinions expressed here are entirely my own and do not reflect an official position of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board or the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board of Trustees. Please note answers from staff are paraphrased, the recording can be found here if you would like to watch the entire meeting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me using my contact form here.
Key links
Video for the Committee of the Whole Budget on June 3, 2024
Agenda for the Committee of the Whole on June 3, 2024
Report 24-080, Staff Recommended Budget for 2024 to 2025
Appendix A, Responsive Education Programs Grants for 2024 to 2025
Appendix B, Board Recommended Budget and Financial Summary
