Financials

Our Balanced Budget at a Glance

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) approved a budget of $649.5M for the 2023-2024 academic year. The balanced budget includes the use of $5.9 million from a planned drawdown from reserves that is within the 1% use permitted by the Ministry. The budget is designed to accommodate an expected enrolment of 47,639 students (an increase of 2.4% from the previous year). It includes 124.6 new full-time equivalent staffing positions, including 54 education assistants and two mental health workers.

This budget focuses on maintaining spending on our Strategic Commitments and Spiritual Theme while achieving savings through efficiency measures and cost reductions. 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.

At the OCSB, we view the budget as more than just a bunch of numbers on a page. Rather, it’s a chance for us to connect with our community, including school leaders, students, teachers, and families. Of course, we have to work within certain constraints, like government funding and student enrollment, but we always focus on what’s best for our students and staff. Together, we’ve crafted a budget that reflects our Gospel values, like faith, hope, love, community, dignity, excellence, justice, and environmental stewardship. Whether directly or indirectly, the budget supports and embodies these important values.

Mark D. Mullan, Chairperson, OCSB

What Does That Look Like in Our Schools?

Commitment to Catholic Education Distinctiveness

The OCSB offers an education that embraces the universal values of all faiths with a foundation in Catholic principles. This budget outlines expenses unique to Catholic education’s mission and purpose, including dedicated personnel such as Chaplaincy Leaders, Religious Education and Family Life Programs staff, Faith Animators, and Board Chaplains.

Commitment to Indigenous Students and Community

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) is committed to enhancing the academic achievement and well-being of Indigenous students. We achieve this through educating all students on the histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Our efforts include the implementation of the Board Action Plan (BAP) and Indigenous Education Framework for 2022-2025. These frameworks were developed in consultation with our staff and community members who contribute to Indigenous Education within the OCSB.

  • Indigenous Coordinator
  • Indigenous Consultants
  • Indigenous Family Support Workers
  • Indigenous Education Community (IEC)

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

The budget has allocated additional funds to support the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement and implementing the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework (2021-2024). The framework provides a plan to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices and barriers faced by diverse groups in schools. We are continually investing in EDI support through various means.

  • 1 Superintendent of Leadership & Parent Engagement
  • 1 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Support Officer
  • 54 Permanent Educational Assistants
  • Budgets for student-centred initiatives for the Black Student Forum and GSA Day
  • School resources to support new International students
  • Language translation communication module to communicate in a family’s preferred language

Commitment to Mental Health and Wellness

Our schools have mental health professionals to support our Board’s Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy. This year’s budget includes funding for these professionals and resources to assist students and staff.

  • Added 2 Mental Health Workers (NEW 2023/24) to the Mental Health and Wellness Team
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • $100,000 Wellness Fund Initiative for school staff
  • $85,600 Assessment Supports expanding our commitment to promote student learning (NEW 2023/24)
  • Resources and professional development for mental health
  • Personalized Learning Centre

Commitment to Skilled Trades

We have developed community partnerships between students and employers to provide valuable learning opportunities for skilled trades. The 2023-2024 budget will support students pursuing Technological Education in various fields.

  • 1 Consultant supporting Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and SHSM programs
  • Creation of a $150,000 Technology Equipment Renewal Fund

OCSB Elite Skilled Trades Academy

St. Paul High School plans to launch the OCSB Elite Skilled Trades Academy in September 2023. The program is designed specifically for students in grades 11 and 12 and will receive up to $200,000 in funding from the School Board. It will provide carpentry and masonry certifications along with apprenticeship training for two years. The program is open to all students across the Board, regardless of their background or prior experience in the field.

Commitment to Reading Intervention

We have allocated funds for practical educator training in reading interventions for the upcoming academic year.

  • $1.3M for education staff to support reading interventions, 12 (6 new staff and 6 continued), including 10 Dedicated Itinerant Reading Intervention teachers and 2 Learning Partners – Multilingual Language and a Literacy (NEW 2023/24)
  • $100,000 Tutoring Support Services for Students (NEW 2023/24)
  • $30,000 Additional Teacher Training in Tier 2 & 3 reading strategies (NEW 2023-24)
  • $0.5M in early reading screening tools and licenses (new)
  • 1 Early Years Consultant
  • Central budget resources to support early literacy

Commitment to Math, Destreaming, and Transitions to High School

Our Board is dedicated to promoting successful math education strategies that support students in achieving and maintaining high math proficiency levels.

  • $2.4M for education staff to support de-streaming and transition to High School, 22 additional teachers in Grades 7-10 (NEW 2023-24)
  • 3.0 Math Learning Partners

Commitment to Deep Learning through an Investment in Outdoor Learning Spaces with WiFi (Year 2 of 3)

Investments totalling $7.5 million will be made over three school years to create Outdoor Learning Spaces that will be equipped with WiFi. These spaces are designed to facilitate experiential learning, promote mental well-being, and encourage environmental protection while also incorporating indigenous culture and knowledge. Most importantly, these spaces will be open to everyone.

Commitment to Strategic Risk Management

Managing technology and human resources risks effectively is crucial to achieving the Board’s goals. The 2023/24 budget has allocated extra funding for these two key priorities.

  • $910,000 for Cybersecurity Firewall refresh to protect data and prioritize network security
  • $100,000 for Specialized consulting services to review and update Job Descriptions and evaluations