Trustees approve a balanced budget

Trustees are legally required to balance their budget. At the June 29 Board meeting, Toronto District School Board Trustees approved a balanced budget plan of $2.5 billion for the 2009/10 school year. The plan invests in priority areas of teaching and learning, student success, and support for vulnerable students. By balancing its budget the TDSB has perhaps the best managed finances of major governments in Canada.

I tabled a motion that stopped cuts to special education.

TDSB has taken two important steps toward long-term budget sustainability and to address the impact of declining enrolment. The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) was established in 2007 to make the most of the Board’s under-utilized capital assets. The Better Schools, Brighter Future process takes TDSB to the next level through a multi-year strategy supporting investment in school consolidation, up-to-date programs and school buildings to meet the 21st century needs of students and communities.

“The approval this evening of a balanced operating budget for the 2009-10 school year by the TDSB Board of Trustees marks an important step by this board as it continues to demonstrate its resolve to manage its affairs responsibly,” said Campbell after three nights of budget debate.

“Tonight’s decision was preceded by a number of difficult decisions that have been made by trustees over the past few months.”