Dufferin-Peel Catholic DistrictSchool Board

40 Matheson Boulevard West, Mississauga, ON, L5R 1C5, Tel: (905) 890-1221

April 13, 2016

Notice to parents/guardians and community members

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

Public Budget Consultation Opportunities

Regarding the Board’s 2016-17Operating Budget

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is providing multiple options this year for parents/guardians and other community stakeholders to provide input regarding the board’s 2016-17 operating budget. Options include:

  • Provide written input on the priorities you want the Board to consider in the development of the 2016-17 Budget. Email to .
  • Make a five-minute presentation to trustees through the delegation process at the April 26 Board meeting or the May 24 Board meeting. Normal protocols and timelines for registering to delegate apply. Delegates must register and provide copies of their presentation to the board at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting date. Each presenter will have a maximum of five (5) minutes to make their presentation. To register to delegate, call (905) 890-0708, ext. 24433.
  • Parents/guardians and community members may also provide input through their local Catholic school trustee.

An outline of current issues and budget pressures is available on the board website at Interested parties are encouraged to read the outline prior to delegating or providing a written submission.

If you have any questions, please contact our Communications & Community Relations Department at (905) 890-0708, ext. 24278 or 24466.

Mario PascucciMarianne Mazzorato

Chair of the Board Director of Education

Outline of current issues and budget pressures

The following is a high level overview of key areas of the operating budget, including the budget pressures and challenges that we face.

On March 24, the Ministry of Education announced the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) funding for the 2016-2017 year. The GSN are the primary revenue source that funds education in this province. Education funding will increase year-over-year on a provincial basis, however, this is mainly attributed to funding for central labour agreements. The Ministry’s focus continues to be on efficient use of school space and managing excess capacity in schools. Many of the grant reductions and adjustments from 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 continue to be phased in. New changes are related to provincial benefit plans and equity in education. The GSN announcement as well as a Guide to the Grants for Student Needs is available on the Ministry website.

All stakeholders are encouraged to review Dufferin-Peel’s Strategic System Plan and Financial Statements.

As we develop the 2016-2017 budget, we will be guided by a collaborative and transparent process, ensuring all decisions align with the board’s strategic system plan. Our board will be challenged with reduced funding, changes in enrolment and increasing costs. 2016-2017 is the second year of grant reductions related to excess capacity in schools and the third year of the grant reduction in Board Administration and Governance. These reductions impact the support system for all board and school operations.

The Ministry requires school boards to balance their budget. We must continue to employ prudent fiscal management in order to meet this objective.The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will ensure that our budget process addresses all budget challenges, maximizes opportunities and delivers quality Catholic education to our students.

Preliminary 2016-2017 Grant Revenue - Operating / $847.7 million
2016-2017 Projected Average Daily Enrolment / 81,047
Elementary / 49,714
Secondary / 31,333

Budgets Pressures and Challenges

Excess capacity funding reductions / Special Education needs
Enrolment changes / Balanced budget
Pupil accommodation reviews / Technology
Increased reporting & accountability / Professional development
Maintenance and facilities needs / Unforeseen cost pressures
Maintain momentum on student achievement & well-being goals / Provincial benefit plans transition

Extraordinary lives start with a great Catholic education.