by James Matthews

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board approved its spending plan for the coming school year.

The board gave the OK for the 2024-25 school year budget during the June 11 public meeting. The group earmarked $264.8 million in expenditures.

School board trustees were presented with a breakdown of the financial amounts within the new Core Education Funds from the Ministry of Education. That funding is broken out into six areas, including classroom staffing, learning resources, special education, school facilities, student transportation, and school board administration.

Wes Hahn, the director of education, said TLDSB is committed to a future where students not only develop their competencies but thrive in their environment.

He said it is important to the school board that the system continues to grow student knowledge, self-confidence, and resiliency. These are key factors in leading a healthy, successful, and fulfilling life, he said.

“As a system, a balanced budget is an essential component to operate effectively while meeting the two goals of student achievement and student and staff well-being within the TLDSB 2022-2027 Strategic Plan,” Hahn said.

“I am incredibly proud of the work of the Finance Services team, superintendents, and trustees who have kept the work of the strategic direction in focus while completely redesigning this new budget.”

Tim Ellis, the board’s business services superintendent, said the budget continues the momentum garnered through student achievement over recent years.

“Classroom teaching staff adjustments within the budget reflect the anticipated changes in enrolment at each school,” Ellis said.