York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is the third largest school district in Ontario, operating 213 schools consisting of approximately 128,000 students and 13,000 full-time staff.
Roughly 80% of operating budget expenditures go toward instruction expenses, including staffing, benefits, textbooks, supplies, computers, equipment, and training.
The Board included $1.6 million “to address the diverse needs of students who require special education supports,” including the hiring of social workers, psychological and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
YRDSB is also introducing Destreaming Coaches who will provide support to students transitioning from elementary school to secondary school.
Destreaming Coaches will also provide assistance to secondary school students in destreamed classes like mathematics.
Funding has been allocated for 33 Special Education Resource Teachers, along with support for early literacy and multiple language learners.
Carried over revenue from 2022-2023 will continue supporting Indigenous education programs.
“The budget reflects an alignment with our priorities as a school board, the feedback we heard from our school community, and our commitment to offer high-quality education,” Chair of the Board Ron Lynn stated in a recent press release.
The remainder of the budget is allocated to administration expenses, transportation and bussing, school operations, amortization of capital assets, financing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
This year’s budget resulted in a $12.9 million deficit, a decrease over the 2022-2023 budget but still resulting in “a moderate use of reserves” by the Board.
