June 30, 2003 -
Trustees with the Sudbury Catholic District School Board proved successful in passing a balanced budget for the 2003-2004 school year. The Board approved a budget of $57,943,878 during its last meeting of the school year before the summer break. The new budget will maintain the 2002-03 level of programs and curriculum services and will also incorporate new initiatives in the areas of special education such as additional special education classes, increased in-school special education resource, specialized teachers for speech correction, the deaf and the blind, additional educational assistants and increased funding for professional development.
With respect to curriculum, the 2002-2003 level of support for curriculum services including professional development, special assignment teachers and secondary school co-ordinators, as well as the level of teacher support in curriculum in-service has been maintained. The budget allows for the retention of the Faith Animator position at 50% capacity, and provides for two chaplains in the secondary schools. There will be no reduction in the amount of the support from technology and school-administrative lines. In addition, all elementary schools will have from .7 to 1.3 full time secretaries. Included in the 2003-04 budget are the start up costs associated with the introduction of the Grade 10 classes at Bishop Alexander Carter Catholic Secondary School and the renovation costs for St. Francis School as a result of the consolidation of St. Anthony school with St. Francis for the 2003-2004 school year.
Zandra Zubac, Director of Education for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, attributed the fact that the Board was able to bring in a balanced budget to the additional funding provided by the provincial government stating that, “Thanks to the increased spending in education recommended by the Rozanksi report, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board will continue to maintain its high level of commitment to our students and teachers and to Catholic Education.” Ray Vincent, Chair of the Board, stated that, “Last year’s budget placed the Board in a very difficult situation. With respect to the 2003-2004 school year budget, the Sudbury Catholic Board finds itself in a much better position. Grant revenues have increased by $3.6 million over last year’s levels which is a direct result of the funding committed by the government for salaries, benefits, supplies, special education and transportation. It is also important to note that the Board was able to meet school council, parental, and staff requests for additional hours for secretaries by increasing the minimum to 25 hours per week. This will not only add efficiencies to our school system but also provide a valuable degree of safety for each child at school."
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