OCSB takes lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic to shape 2022-2023 operating budget

The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) released its budget for the 2022-2023 school year and with it comes a two per cent increase in expenditures and funds allocated for new outdoor learning spaces. 

The $619.7 million operating budget approved by the OCSB includes about a two per cent increase in expenditures year over year, which adds up to about $4.4 million in accumulated surplus reserves to enhance outdoor learning spaces.

Those outdoor learning spaces — which come equipped with WiFi — will come with a $7.5 million price tag to be paid throughout several years.

“This year’s budget is fiscally responsible while providing our students with innovative opportunities to succeed today and in the future, including the construction of four new OCSB schools,” school trustee and chair of the board Mark Mullan said in a statement.

Salaries and benefits will comprise 81 per cent of the 2022-2023 operating budget expenditures.

That means the total full-time equivalent staffing has remained relatively stable compared to the 2021-2022 budget, with some additions that include:

• 25 educational assistants plus $1.4 million for temporary and casual support;
• Four mental health workers;
• One wellness officer;
• One equity, diversity and inclusive support officer;
• Three consultants to support Indigenous education, skilled trades programs and e-learning.

“The education sector has faced unprecedented challenges and opportunities over the past two years,” director of education Tom D’Amico said in a statement. “As a Board committed to deep learning, we witnessed first-hand how our students found innovative ways to learn, work and play. As we move forward, we will take what we learned from the pandemic, create new opportunities and build on our success in the school year.”

Other highlights to the budget include:

• A $20,000 increase for student-centred initiatives for the Black Student Forum and GSA Day;
• $50,000 menstrual products to allow easy access for students who cannot afford it;
• $17,000 for a language translation communication module;
• $60,000 to support HR equity, diversity and inclusion practices.

The OCSB also hired an additional Indigenous and family support worker and an Indigenous consultant to help support the implementation of the BAP and the Indigenous Education Framework (2022-2025).

The staff members, the budget report explains, will help advance academic achievements and well-being for Indigenous students and increase all students’ “knowledge and awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions.”

Included in the budget is $70,000 to better support staff experiencing long-term disability and $108,000 resource budget for wellness resources.

There is also $2 million allocated for K-12 tutors to support school day and after school tutoring in literacy, math and French.

Reader's note: The original article incorrectly stated staff members were getting a two per cent raise when, in fact, it is expenditures outlined in the budget that will be raised by two per cent.