Fair Funding for Students
Underfunding + Increased Costs = Cuts in the Classroom
View HDSB Fair Funding for Students Infographic
The HDSB provides education for 67,000 students in 111 schools and learning centres across Halton We have budgeted for a $7.7 million deficit in the current year and are required by regulation to eliminate this deficit next school year (2024-2025). A reduction of this scale will involve cuts that affect classrooms.
Funding
Over the last few years, funding for the HDSB has not kept pace with costs. We have experienced similar challenges as other Ontario school boards:
- 10-30% increased costs of contracted goods and services (non-staff costs)
- $7M in increased costs for mandated enhancements to CPP/EI, which are not funded
Budget Pressures
We are reviewing all areas of the budget. However, there are areas where the HDSB has historically spent more than the amount allocated by the Ministry. These areas include:
Changes to how education is funded have affected the HDSB directly:
- $20M less for special education
- $2.6M less for school operations
- $2M less for student transportation
- $299 less funding per student than similar boards ($1,272 less than provincial average)
What Can You Do?
Step 1 - Contact your local MPP
Contact your local MPP
Step 2 - Copy and paste the template letter of your choice into an email, customize as needed and email your MPP.
Email Template #1 - Special EducationEmail Template #2 - Student Mental Health & Well-BeingEmail Template #3 - Central StaffEmail Template #4 - Supply StaffingEmail Template #5 - Student Transportation
Additional Information