“In 2018-2019, our theme will be ‘reverencing the dignity of the whole person’ as described in our Vision Statement,” said Renfrew County Catholic District School Board Chair David Howard as he presented a Budget of over $73 million for the coming year. “As a faith-based education system, we encourage our students to expand their hearts, souls and minds, and to reach their full potential through spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical learning. And we are committed to providing 21st-century teaching and learning within a welcoming environment that encourages students to achieve their personal best,” Chair Howard said
“RCCDSB is committed to providing a distinctive Catholic curriculum that seeks to nurture the giftedness, self-worth and potential of each student within safe environments characterized by warmth, hospitality, good humour and joy. I think this Budget will ensure that we continue to provide the best education possible for all of our students across our Board while aligning with Our Vision, strategic plan and Ministry of Education goals,” said Howard.
In keeping with these goals, Howard explained that the $73-million Budget will ensure that class sizes at RCCDSB continue to meet regulations. He also noted the Budget complies with the Ministry’s guidelines of a maximum 1% deficit.
“The Board is adding four new positions to expand Mental Health and Special Education services with funding from the Ministry of Education,” said Howard. The Board has also budgeted an additional $200,000 for Early Literacy programs as it continues to focus on the core subjects of literacy and mathematics.
RCCDSB will renew its commitment to support Shaw Woods to ensure ongoing outdoor and experiential learning opportunities for all students.
“The Board has received $108,000 from the Ministry for the Innovation in Learning Fund (ILF),” Howard said to support technology in the classroom.
“The Board continues to support professional development through initiatives such as the Teacher Learning Leadership Program, our numeracy and literacy work, as well as adding a Special Assignment Teacher for French as a Second Language programming,” Howard said.
The Social Studies curriculum is being revised to more fully incorporate Indigenous Education and ensure that Truth and Reconciliation is part of everyday conversation. As well, the religious education program “Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ” will continue to be implemented, rolling out in Grade 5 classes in the coming year.
In the area of capital expenditures, the Board will invest $9.4 million into school additions, renewal and renovations for older buildings and to improve energy efficiency. In Renfrew, a new building will replace the existing St. Thomas the Apostle school, and an addition will be built at St. Joseph’s High School to address space challenges, which are also being faced in Arnprior.
Capital investments also include a daycare at St. John Bosco in Barry’s Bay and Our Lady of Lourdes in Pembroke. A Board-specific initiative will provide $10,000 in funds for each school to upgrade classrooms and furniture to help ensure welcoming, modern learning environments.
2018-2019 Budget and Grant Allocations
June 25, 2018
For further information, please contact:
Jaimie Perry, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191
