School is out for summer as of Thursday afternoon, but the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) is already looking ahead to next year.
The board has approved its $64.5 million budget for 2024-25.
Officials say it’s up 4.8% compared to this year, features programs and services that directly benefit students and is compliant with Ministry of Education balanced budget legislation.
“Our Board of Trustees were pleased to approve a fiscally responsible budget that reflects effective stewardship of resources in the service of our students and Catholic education.” says Board Chair, Shawn Fitzsimmons. “We extend deep gratitude to our administration staff for the planning of a responsive budget that remains sharply focused on the achievement of our Board’s strategic ENDs.”
NPSC is projecting a 2% enrolment increase with the budget including key investments in several areas.
They include:
- Early Reading screening and math facilitator support
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) resources in all schools
- Expansion of the Skilled Trades and Technological Education including a new Robotics course at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall (SJSH)
- Continued specialty program offerings in Instrumental Music, Innovation Design and Technology and Home Economics
- Continued mental health & well-being support for all schools
- Increases in the Special Education staff complement
- Enhancements to the Indigenous Studies program at SJSH (includes the Shkaabewis Program focused on youth leadership, as well as Indigenous worldview and cultural teachings)
- Continued expansion of the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program at SJSH, which is now heading into its third year
“We are extremely excited by the many innovative learning enhancements supported by the 2024-2025 budget to achieve our strategic commitments as a Catholic education system that keeps our students at the center of all that we do,” says Paula Mann, Director of Education.
