Trustees ‘Concerned’ about provincial funding levels

By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Halton District School Board (HDSB) approved their 2024-25 Operating Budget in spite of a shortfall. The decision was made at their June 19, 2024 meeting following a presentation, and a unanimous vote.

The shortfall is due to increases in labour costs associated with Bill 124 the controversial wage freeze legislation passed the Ontario government recently struck down as unconstitutional. The labour cost increases are being felt by boards of education across the province.

“The increase of provincial funding isn’t keeping up with the costs of education,” Trustee Robbie Brydon said. The budget calls for a reduction by $11 million, and 125 fewer staff positions. Among other things, this means larger kindergarten and special education classes. “What’s going to happen next year?” Trustee Kelly Amos.  Trustees allege the provincial government is falling behind by $1500/ student since 2018 using ‘inflation-adjusted’ terms.

Director of Education Curtis Ennis believes recent changes to the funding formula will help HDSB. In April, the provincial government unveiled changes to the core education funding formula allowing for the use of the 2021 census data from Statistics Canada. “I do believe, and hold out hope that the changing demographics in Halton Region will be more acutely reflected, and work to our advantage going forward,”  Ennis said. The Town of Milton has the highest number of portables, despite only having 23% of the Region’s population.

Trustees Establish “Fair Funding web page”

Efforts to inform parents, and the community about the funding shortfall will continue into next fall. Trustees have established a   “Fair Funding web page,” as a resource to inform parents and students about how education is funded. “My message to parents is this; we all want the best possible education for our children, and your help in advocating for that crucial,” Halton District School Board Chair Amy Collard said. Parents are encouraged to learn more by visiting the website, and raising concerns with their Member of Provincial Parliament.

The budget will need approval from the Ministry of Education. “Trustees of the Halton District School Board look forward to continuing discussions about public education funding for Halton Students with the Ministry of Education,” Collard said.