The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board says their budget for the upcoming school year puts the focus on student readiness, mental health, math and literacy supports, special education, and faith.
The RCCDSB’s 2024–25 budget allocates $93.1 million to ensure resources are in place to facilitate their mission as an “inclusive Catholic learning community called to love unconditionally and educate hearts and minds in the way of Christ,” aligning with their goals by enhancing opportunities for all students as part of their multi-year strategic plan.
Some of the highlights in the budget include:
- $112,700 was invested in licensing for early reading interventions, $34,800 for early reading enhancements, and $276,700 for education staff to assist with reading interventions.
- $288,800 was invested in the Board Math Action Plan and its implementation, including funds specifically for digital math support tools.
- $11 million invested in special education resources
- $10,000 in skilled trades, $155,083 in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, funds allocated to the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), and $10,000 for the Entrepreneurship Pilot Project
- $11.2 million invested in school condition improvements; $5.2 million towards school renewal projects
- A total of $14,100 was invested in health resource training for staff, including support for anti-sex trafficking, vaping, bullying, and cannabis use.
Part of the budget will also include an equity audit as part of their investment in the important work of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Enhancing their Catholic faith is another priority at RCCDSB. The Board has allocated funds to sponsor teachers who would like to complete their religious education qualification, and they are continuing their focus on adult faith formation within the Catholic School Board.
At their June 24th board meeting, RCCDSB Chair Bob Schreader thanked the members of their budget team for the “time and expertise they provided to prepare a balanced budget that ensures our students will continue to learn, achieve their best, and grow closer to Christ in schools to believe in.”
(written by Kasey Egan)