The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board has unveiled its 2020-21 school year budget, which provides for enhanced safety protocols for students and staff amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total Budget of more than $75 million for 2020-21 includes a small deficit of less than 1% to be covered by reserves.
The RCCDSB is spending an extra $100,000 on top of its annual technology upgrade investment to ensure all students from Grades 4 through 12 will have a Chromebook or Windows-based device.
Additional monies are being spent on cleaning supplies and PPE.
Thanks to funding from a Canadian Welding Bureau Foundation Grant, there will be shop upgrades and ventillation improvements at both St. Joe’s and Bishop Smith facilities.
The Hospitality Classroom has added innovative cooking equipment.
Both Bishop Smith and St. Joseph tracks have been rubberized for when it’s safe to start using them again.
The RCCDSB will be spending 9.2 million on special education, and that includes almost 310 thousand dollars to helpaddress mental health and well-being.
The Renewed Math Strategy hasn’t been forgotten; a grant of $158,500, will help bring in the new math curriculum.
Transportation costs remain a large portion of the Board’s budget at almost $5.5 million for 2020-21.