“Although the news is positive, we had to dip into reserves in order to balance the budget,” remarks Carl Pitman, Chair of the Board. “With world oil prices skyrocketing, our fuel costs for student transportation have increased by $1.3 million.”

The $170,766,033 budget represents a 0.1 percent increase over the previous year's revised actual revenues and expenditures. Sources of revenue include the following: 74 percent from provincial grants, 24 percent from local property tax revenue and 2.3 percent from other sources.

Enrolment decline continues to cause major funding losses. For the 2008-2009 school year student enrolment is projected to be approximately 16,862, comprised of 10,213 elementary students and 6,649 secondary students, as compared to 17,100 students in 2007-2008.

“We are maintaining our direction with what has been done in the past with no radical changes,” states Kathy Soule, Director of Education. “District-wide, our focus continues to be on enhancing opportunities for student achievement, maintaining safe and supportive learning and working environments, and in continuing to foster open, two-way communication in the communities we serve.”

Education continues to be a labour-intensive service with 80 percent of budget costs composed of staff salaries and benefits. In 2008-2009, the board will employ approximately 1,817 employees. Collective agreements for all employee groups expire August 31, 2008. Negotiations are underway. However, as per direction from the Ministry of Education, no salary changes have been incorporated into the budget pending provincial discussion table (PDT) results.

All aspects board operations continue to align with the AiM—Achievement in Motion for Student Success system plan. Budget highlights include the following.

SUCCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS

• Literacy support for schools will continue to be a focus and supported by physical, financial and human resources.
• A range of pathway options for all students will be maintained to enhance student success.
• Alternative programs to suspension and expulsion will continue to be developed.
• SMART Boards for use in classrooms will be expanded across the district.
• System hardware evergreening will continue through a five-year replacement cycle.
• A wide selection of curricular and co-curricular programs and services will be maintained to ensure a balanced education for all students.
• School facilities will continue to be upgraded through the provincial Good Places to Learn program.

SYSTEM OF CHARACTER

• Growing with Character will continue to be woven throughout the fabric of Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.

EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE

• Investment in teacher and support staff professional development will continue, as will building capacity for new and existing teachers.

OPEN COMMUNICATION

• A new data centre to support the district’s technology infrastructure will be constructed.
• Space needs will be rationalized and the accommodation review process will continue as enrolments change.

COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

• Collaboration with community partners will carry on, with a focus on implementing the provincial First Nation, Métis and Inuit framework.
• Community use of school facilities will continue throughout the district.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 17,100 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of approximately 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