Provincial funding cuts to education announced late last week are hitting the Near North District School Board to the tune of about $307,000 and impacting several programs.

“The Board of Trustees understands that the current government needs to work to reduce the existing substantial deficit,” says board chair Jay Aspin, in a release. “We are disappointed with the degree of consultation with those in the field of education prior to making such cuts. The announced funding reductions will impact the programs meant to provide support and assistance to some of our most vulnerable students. Further, the decision to make funding reductions for the current school year, already well underway, could put the NNDSB in some challenging situations. I am grateful for the staffs keen attention to their planning always putting student achievement and student and staff well-being at the forefront of all decisions while utilizing strong planning practices.”

The areas and programs that are affected are:
– Indigenous Focused Collaborative Inquiry
– Innovation and Learning Fund
– Re-Engagement 12 and 12+ Initiative
– Speak Up Grants
– Ensuring Equitable Access to Postsecondary Education
– Teaching Learning and Leadership Program
– Physical Activity for Secondary School (PASS) Grants
– Daily Physical Activity Funding for Elementary Schools
– Student Success Leaders Supporting Racialized Students
– Tutors in the Classroom
– Proposals for Experiential Learning for Adults

The board says as with any unexpected reduction in funding, Senior Administration will need to review the existing revenues and expenditures to make any possible and required adjustments.

Officials say the board has continued to be appropriately conservative in its overall approach and usage of all funding.

While high level plans have been developed no money was allocated nor staffing put in place unless the funds were confirmed with an executed Transfer Payment Agreement.

The Board says they look forward to working with the provincial government and the Minister of Education to identify ways to best address and understand each board’s unique needs.

Filed under: Efficiencies, Ford Government, Near North District School Board