The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board faces a financial crisis, struggling to avoid a fifth straight deficit. Rising costs, including teacher salaries and substitute staff, are straining the board's budget. The board is exploring cost-cutting measures but needs additional provincial funding to remain sustainable.
The Ottawa -Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Ottawa 's largest school board, faces a daunting challenge: avoiding a fifth consecutive deficit. Balancing budgets annually is crucial for school boards , and the OCDSB has been grappling with financial difficulties for several years. To address the situation, the board has implemented various cost-saving measures.
It has reallocated funds to prioritize areas with the most pressing needs, such as providing special assistants to help regulate student emotions in classrooms. The rising cost of goods and services, including everyday items like toilet paper, has also been a concern. CEO Lynn Scott highlights the unsustainable nature of the current funding situation, emphasizing that without additional provincial support, the board's budget will remain precarious.The OCDSB anticipates a shortfall of $15 to $17 million, potentially leading to staff reductions or unfilled positions. The situation is not unique to Ottawa, as provincial data reveals that over half of Ontario's school boards are facing similar challenges. The OCDSB's deficit stems from several factors, including backpay owed to teachers due to the province's wage restraint legislation from 2019 and negotiated salary increases. Furthermore, the board is experiencing a significant increase in costs for substitute teachers, exceeding $30 million annually, largely attributed to a rise in teacher absences, including those resulting from student behavioral issues. OCDSB Chair Lynn Scott acknowledges the rise in 'dysregulated behavior' among students since the pandemic, leading to more classroom disruptions and the need for additional support staff. She calls for provincial assistance in covering the costs associated with substitute teachers and classroom assistants.
EDUCATION FINANCE SCHOOL BOARDS DEFICIT FUNDING ONTARIO OTTAWA TEACHER COSTS STUDENT BEHAVIOR
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