Budget

Background

The annual budget process is an important element of our corporate planning at the Grand Erie District School Board. The budget is the allocation of resources which support our strategic plan, annual district goals and school improvement planning.

The Ministry of Education allocates funding to each board using a formula that’s based on student enrolment and the unique needs of the students in each board.  School boards receive funding in two ways.  First, education property taxes collected by the City of Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand County and Norfolk County go to the Board.  Second, the Province tops up the amount to bring Grand Erie’s total up to the amount set out by the funding formula.  The Province sets the education tax rate, not the school board trustees.

There are a number of limitations which add to the pressure of the budget process, including, but in no way limited to the fact that almost all school board funding comes by way of provincial grants, the timing of the grants, the complexity of grant formulas and envelope funding, the number of special purpose and ad hoc grants, conflicting timelines between staffing, grant announcements, budget recommendation and budget approval.

Students are always our primary focus and we are committed to offering programs and services which challenge all students to achieve their personal best. We make efficient, effective, and innovative use of resources, based on sound planning, and the best available information. The budget allocates available resources to address student needs.


Share Your Input

 

Families, staff and community are invited to provide input on the 2025-26 budget. The survey will be open until April 4.

Comments will be shared with senior staff, and common questions will be answered in through the Frequently Asked Questions section.

The public meeting dates at which the 2025-26 budget matters will be discussed are:

DateEvent
February 10, 2025Finance Committee -- Initial budget information, Planning department begins draft enrolment projections
May 12, 2025Finance Committee: Draft budget prepared for review with the committee
June 9, 2025Finance Committee: Present draft budget
June 23, 2025Present budget to Board of Trustees
June 30, 2025File the budget with the Ministry of Education no later than June 30

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When does the budget process begin and when is it finalized?

The budget process begins in early spring. Consultations are held with stakeholders, Families/Caregivers, and Board of Trustees, as well as a review of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Enrolment projections are a key factor in the review process to ensure revenue will support the proposed budget spending.

The Ontario government releases the Core Education Funding model, usually in March or early April.

Board of Trustees review and approve the budget early June. Boards must submit balanced budgets to the Ministry by the end of June, as required by law.

Why is the school board budget important?

The budget ensures that the school board allocates resources effectively to meet the student’s educational needs and comply with provincial and federal requirements.

Who decides how the budget is allocated?

The school board develops its budget using information collected from Senior Administration, Board of Trustees and finance staff. Stakeholders, including Families/Caregivers and community members, have opportunities to provide input through an annual survey. Board of Trustees have final approval of the budget, which is submitted to the Ministry of Education.

How is the school board funded?

The Ministry of Education provides about 90% of the operating funding for Ontario’s school boards through the Core Education Funding. The document describes the various funds, their purposes, and restrictions on how school boards can use them.

The remainder comes from other revenues such as student tuition fees (from international students), fundraising activities, Federal programs, and funding from the Ministry of Education through the Responsive Education Programs, which provides targeted, temporary/time-limited supplemental funding.

What is a school board budget?
A school board budget is a financial plan that outlines the anticipated revenues and expenditures for a fiscal year. The fiscal year for school boards runs from September 1 to August 31. It includes funding for operations, programs, staff salaries, and infrastructure.

Financial Landscape

 

In Ontario, the Ministry of Education sets specific requirements for school boards regarding accumulated surpluses to ensure fiscal responsibility and the effective use of public funds. Here's an overview of these requirements.

Definition of Accumulated Surplus
An accumulated surplus represents the net financial resources available to a school board, calculated as the sum of annual surpluses minus any deficits over time. This surplus can be allocated for specific future expenses or held as unallocated funds for unforeseen needs.
Use of Accumulated Surplus

School boards may utilize their accumulated surplus for various purposes, such as:

  • Addressing budget shortfalls to cover unexpected expenses or revenue shortfalls, provided the deficit does not exceed the allowable limit.
  • Funding one-time initiatives, such as capital projects, technology upgrades, or program enhancements.
  • Maintaining financial stability to acting as a financial cushion to manage cash flow and mitigate risks.
budget-surplus-2024-25
Balanced Budget Requirement
Under the Education Act, school boards are generally required to adopt balanced budgets for each fiscal year. A budget is considered balanced when planned expenditures do not exceed available revenues, including any accumulated surplus. If a school board anticipates a deficit, it must ensure that the shortfall does not exceed 1% of its operating revenue and can be covered by the accumulated surplus. This stipulation is outlined in Ontario Regulation 280/19. 

Fiscal Year Budget