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EDUCATION EXPERTS’ REPORT DELIVERS A FAIR PLAN TO BALANCE TORONTO DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET
October 12, 2006
QUEEN’S PARK — A new plan by education experts to balance the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) budget protects students and classroom resources, said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne today. The plan will be presented to board trustees at a special meeting this evening.
“I have a great deal of respect for trustees, and I believe this report will help them inform their decision-making,” said Wynne. “I am very optimistic that the board now has a workable plan that will balance the budget for 2006-07 and will lead the way to a sustainable future.”
The Special Assistance Team —- Brian Cain and Joan Green, two highly respected education experts — were appointed in August to provide budget advice to the TDSB and the minister. They brought years of hands-on experience in education, as well as a wealth of financial expertise to this important task.
“All of our deliberations were focused on one crucial question: Will this financial decision to address the deficit make the best use of resources to serve the goal of high student achievement?” said Cain and Green. “While this approach caused us to question some of the budget proposals during our deliberations, it also means that trustees can implement this plan confident that the best interests of students have been fully considered.”
The report presents a balanced budget plan for 2006-07, with further recommendations for 2007-08. It also provides advice for the board regarding the long-term sustainability of some of its unique, non-core educational programs, such as pools and parenting centres. Some of the recommendations suggest the board and its partners, including the Ministry of Education, work together to find solutions.
"The report is more than I hoped for and a new standard for the quality of work done for the ministry and boards of education,” said Sheila Ward, Toronto District School Board chair. “Certainly, it stands in stark contrast to the reports generated about the TDSB by the previous government.”
Based on consultation with trustees and staff, Cain and Green also made recommendations regarding further funding model changes. The report acknowledges that the ministry has made significant changes to funding. Changes have included updating benchmarks, creating the School Foundation Grant and improving support for students with special needs. The report also addressed some of the challenges faced by board trustees and staff as a result of the board’s size.
“I am very interested in continuing to work with the board to address some of the recommendations of the report,” said Wynne. “This government is doing business differently — we’re working in co-operation with boards and trustees to find the best possible solutions to ensure our students reach their full potential.”
"I believe the Cain-Green report gives us a template that will allow us to balance our budget over the next two years without damaging programs and without onerous staff layoffs,” said Ward. “The challenges before us are very steep, but this report will be very helpful to the board in setting priorities and getting our fiscal house in order.“
"In my opinion, Brian Cain and Joan Green deserve the thanks of every student, parent, staff member and trustee of the TDSB for the superb job they have done in the past month,” added Ward.
The report of the Special Assistance Team provides a clear plan for a balanced budget for 2006-07, which board staff can present to trustees in the days ahead as a formal budget plan. This plan would allow the board to file a balanced budget in accordance with legal requirements.
To view the full report, visit the Ministry of Education website at www.edu.gov.on.ca
