Trustees on Windsor-Essex's Catholic school board have approved a budget for the upcoming school year.
During Tuesday evening's meeting, the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) announced it has agreed upon a $295.8-million financial plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year that includes a number of expenditures for items including student services and additional spending to hire more staff.
The school board said is has projected revenues of approximately $293.3-million during the upcoming year, with a deficit of around $2.56-million.
"We heard loud and clear from our constituents that they want increased spending on mental health supports, literacy and math, and special education supports, and this budget delivers on those concerns," said said Board Chair Fulvio Valentinis.
WECDSB said it projects an enrolment increase of 3.7 percent this year, compared to the 2022-23 school year, for an approximate total of 21,125 students.
The board also added that the enrolment increase is equal about $7.3-million in additional grant revenue for the school board. The remainder of the budget expenses, not funded through grants or other revenue sources, will be funded through the board's accumulated surplus.
Other highlights in the budget include:
A 7.6-million increase in salary expenditures.
A 9.4 per cent increase in expenses for Educational Assistants, about 13.4 per cent for Early Childhood Educators.
Around 5.4 per cent more in grant revenue to support special education needs and six per cent in grant revenue for mental health and well being for students.
"This budget allows us to continue provide the excellent service that our students and their families have come to expect from us," said Education Director Emelda Byrne. "Our school board continues to grow, and this is a roadmap to provide the best possible learning opportunities for our students, while responsibly managing our resources."