Ottawa Catholic School Board Catholic Education Centre 570 West Hunt Club Road Nepean, Ontario K2G 3R4 Phone: 613-224-2222 Ext 2326 Fax: 613-224-5063

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News Release Ottawa Catholic School Board Approves Balanced Operating Budget for 2016-2017 June 14, 2016

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The Ottawa Catholic School Board has approved a balanced operating budget for the 2016-2017 school year totalling $493.1 million. The budget was developed with input from trustees, Catholic School Councils and various other stakeholders. The budget focuses on programs and initiatives that directly benefit students and further enhance student and staff success by: • • • • •

addressing kindergarten class sizes and ensuring class size targets are met in all grades; adding 20.5 new educational assistant positions; purchasing resources for the new elementary religious education program; continued investment in classroom innovation (e.g. flexible learning spaces, makerspaces, robotics, and renewal of devices) and; spending related to an addition at St. Francis Xavier High School and a new elementary school in Kanata North.

“We have worked collaboratively this year with Senior Administration and are pleased to approve this balanced budget. We were able to avoid a drawdown of reserve funds while continuing to address our Board’s priorities,” said Chairperson Elaine McMahon. The Board has been successful in achieving a balanced budget due to: a) proactive cost savings initiatives implemented over the last number of years including being recognized as a provincial leader in energy management; b) continued cooperation and sharing initiatives with school boards and other government agencies; c) pursuit of external funding and grants; and, d) a creative and innovative approach to the delivery of services. Director of Education, Denise Andre said, “I believe that this budget will continue to support the innovative programs that enhance student achievement and the well-being of both students and staff.” For complete information on the 2016-2017 Board budget, visit ocsb.ca/notices. For more information, contact Mardi de Kemp, Manager of Communications, 613-224-4455 Ext 2326. - 30 -