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Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board Approves $159.4M Balanced Budget for the 2022-23 School Year

BRANTFORD, Ontario — On June 27, 2022, Trustees of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) approved the 2022-23 School Year balanced budget totalling $159.4M. The overall budget is comprised of the total operating budget of $152.8M and the total capital budget of $6.6M. The Board saw a budget increase of 3.1M or 2% from the 2021-22 school year revised budget.

“As the Province recovers from the global pandemic, the Board remains in a strong financial state due to the hard work of staff and the continuation of the Board’s commitment to balancing the budget while providing exceptional and forward-thinking teaching and learning for all. We have a strong, responsible, fiscal history and are able to continue to progressively operate while achieving surplus at the end of the year and meeting our responsibilities to students, staff, the community and the Province,” said Chair of the Board, Rick Petrella.

“Our Strategic Plan, that directs the priorities of the Board, details our commitment to Belonging, Teaching and Learning, and Wellness for all. These areas of focus are well-supported by this budget. Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity, and Mental Health and Well Being are critical, and this budget provides supports and resources to ensure and demonstrate our commitment,” continued Petrella.

“As we look forward, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as student and staff mental wellness initiatives continue to be a priority for the Board,” said Superintendent of Business & Treasurer, Scott Keys. “As well, this balanced budget includes $2M in additional resources that will target learning recovery for students and staff greatly impacted by the pandemic.”

Priorities in the 2022-23 budget include:

  • Focusing on reengagement through our Indigenous Action Plan, Special Education Plan, Equity and Inclusion Education Plan, and supports for English language leaners. 
  • Continuing with the implementation of the new curriculum in Grades 1 – 8, de-streamed Grade 9, Give the Best of Yourself programming, and supporting literacy and numeracy.  
  • Ensuring that mental health professionals are in schools, resources to support the Board’s Mental Health and Additions Strategy and Action Plan, and to provide professional development and training in the areas of self-regulation and trauma informed practices.
  • Initiating the first year of a multi-year implementation aimed at modernizing the technology classroom footprint for both elementary and secondary schools.
  • Adding several facility renewal projects, designed to create a safe and more comfortable learning and working environment for our students and staff. 

As enrolment continues to increase (about 1.7% is expected), the Board will also begin designing and constructing two new schools, as previously approved by the Ministry of Education.

“We are embarking on a joint new elementary school build in Caledonia as well as a new secondary Catholic high school build and are pleased that we will be able to meet the demands of our growing student populations. The new secondary Catholic high school will demonstrate our commitment to the skilled trades. Providing state-of-the-art facilities with the newest technology, ensures that our students are well-equipped for the jobs of tomorrow,” shared Chair of the Board, Rick Petrella.

Access the full 2022-23 Budget Report on the Board’s website (http://www.bhncdsb.ca/sites/content/files/resources/2022-23%20Budget%20Report.pdf).

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For more information about this media release: BHNCDSB Approves $159.4M Balanced Budget for the 2022-23 School Year contact: Scott Keys, Superintendent of Business & Treasurer |  skeys@bncdsb.ca

For more information about the BHNCDSB contact: Tracey Austin, Manager of Communications and Community Relations | taustin@bhncdsb.ca