Board officials estimate that of the stated $5.9 million increase in funding, 86 percent or $5.1 million will be used to fund year four of the provincially negotiated labour deal, as well as the final year phase-in of the government's primary class size initiative. These monies will fund increases in elementary teacher preparation time, an increase in the number of student success teachers, a 3 percent salary increase, as well as additional elementary teachers required to reduce primary class sizes. This leaves $800,000 to address the ongoing financial challenge of the loss in funding as a result of ongoing declining enrolment. The number of students enrolling in district continues to decline by approximately 400 to 500 students each year and this decline in enrolment is expected to carry through to 2010 and beyond.

The Board estimates it will be facing an operational deficit of $1 million to $1.5 million as a result of reduced funding due to declining enrolment. The early release of funding information will allow budget deliberations to begin early in April. Ministry of Education regulations require school boards to submit balanced budgets by June 27, 2007.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 18,000 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.

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For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, 613-966-1170 or 1-800-267-4350, extension 2354