Our Balanced Budget a Glance
The Ottawa Catholic School Board approved a $619.7 million Balanced Operating Budget for 2022-2023; this represents a 2.3% increase in expenditures year-over-year. Guided by the fiscally responsible oversight of our Board of Trustees, this budget will provide financial resources and support to ensure our Catholic school communities remain welcoming and safe learning environments.
“This year’s budget is fiscally responsible while providing our students with innovative opportunities to succeed today and in the future, including the construction of four new OCSB schools. Our budget aligns with our Strategic Commitments – Be Community, Be Well and Be Innovative and our Spiritual Theme of Gratitude, Rooted in Joy, Fills Us With Hope.“
Mark D. Mullan,
Chairperson
Commitment to our Strategic Commitments – Be Community, Be Well, Be Innovative
Salaries and benefits comprise 81% of the 2022-2023 Operating Budget expenditures. The total full-time-equivalent (FTE) staffing remains relatively stable compared to the 2021-2022 budget, with some notable additions:
- 25 Educational Assistants plus $1.4M for Temporary & Casual Educational Assistant Support
- 4 Mental Health Workers
- 1 Wellness Officer
- 1 Equity, Diversity & Inclusive Support Officer
- 3 Consultants to support Indigenous education, skilled trades programs, and e-learning
Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity
The budget includes additional funds focused on the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement and living its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Framework (2021-2024), including:
- An additional Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Support Officer
- An additional English Second Language (ESL) Teacher
- 25 Permanent Educational Assistants
- $1.4M in Temporary and Casual Educational Assistant Support
- $20,000 increase for student-centred initiatives for the Black Student Forum and GSA Day
- $50,000 towards menstrual products that allow easy access for students who cannot afford it
- $17,000 for a language translation communication module
- $60,000 to support HR equity, diversity, and inclusion practices
Commitment to Indigenous Students and Community
An additional Indigenous and Family Support Worker and an Indigenous Consultant will help implement the Indigenous Education Framework (2022 – 2025). The staff members will help advance Indigenous students’ academic achievement and well-being.
Commitment to Mental Health and Wellness
The budget includes additional professionals and resources to support students and staff, including:
- 4 Mental Health Workers
- 1 Wellness Officer
- $50,000 increase to the Wellness Fund Initiative (doubling the previous allocation)
- $70,000 to better support staff experiencing long-term disability
- $108,000 as a budget for wellness resources
Commitment to Skilled Trades
The budget provides additional funding for staffing and equipment upgrades:
- An additional Consultant supporting the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the Specialist High Skills Major program
- An additional $185,000 for the Technological Program equipment & maintenance
Commitment to Reading Intervention
The budget provides resources and staff to support specialized interventions.
- $2 million for Kindergarten – Grade 12 Tutors to support School Day and After School Tutoring in Literacy, Math, and French
- 5.5 FTE Dedicated Itinerant Reading Intervention Teachers
- 1 Early Years Consultant
Investing in Outdoor Learning Spaces with WiFi
A $7.5 million multi-year investment in Outdoor Learning Spaces and Wifi allows school communities to incorporate innovative ideas into their outdoor learning spaces.