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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 7, 2006 - 5 Catholic school board approves $222-M budget The Halton Catholic District School Board has approved its budget estimates for 2006/2007. At Tuesday's board meeting, trustees voted in favour of the $222 million submission to the Ministry of Education. The operating expenditure estimates of $205.4 million and capital expenditures of $16.6 million have been matched with revenue projections to produce a balanced budget for the next academic year. At Tuesday's meeting, Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer Paul McMahon characterized it as a "status quo, compliance budget" and one that saw its fair share of challenges, a sentiment with which Director of Education Lou Piovesan agrees. "In order to achieve a balanced 2006/2007 budget it was necessary to use the remainder of the monies in the Special Education and Classroom Reserve Funds," said Piovesan. "However, despite the ongoing budget challenges, we were able to achieve a balanced budget without making cuts in any of the Board's operational areas. This ... budget reflects modest staff increases due to enrolment and our new Catholic Elementary School -- Pope John Paul II in the West Oak Trails community of Oakville -- and flatlines non-salary and non-benefit expenditures." The overall increase in enrolment projected by the Board for the 2006/2007 school year and the staffing requirements are reflected in the budget, which provides for an increase in classroom spending of approximately 4.9 per cent. In addition this year, the Province has recognized the variance between the amounts set in the funding allocation and the actual expenses of school boards across Ontario, and has taken a first step towards realigning the two. Another important aspect of this budget is the continuation of the Primary Class Size Reduction initiative, now in its third year. This has resulted in approximately $1.3 million in additional funding for 2006/2007, which is being allocated to meet the Ministry's requirement to reduce the average class size for the primary grades (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3) down to a ratio of 20:1 for the 2007/2008 school year. In addition, the Ministry has recognized the escalating increase in utilities and school operation costs and has provided additional grant funding to address these needs. However, this additional funding is not sufficient to match the increased costs of utilities actually experienced by the Board. Direct Vent Fireplace complete with Oak Cabinet $ 2,499.00 In House Gas Fitters & Cabinetry Largest Heat n' Glo dealer in Ontario Save$139.00* Queen 2 pc. set CANADA'S 139TH BIRTHDAY! 3ft. x NUS FR 5f with t. Canad EE Ever y Sle ian Flag ep S et! Celebrates With 35 units to browse in our showroom, you're guaranteed to find the fireplace you're dreaming of. ONTARIO HEARTH LTD. www.ontariohearth.com BO 3585 358 Laird Rd. Unit 2 Rd., 905.569.2404 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4 Off Our Already Low Factory Prices *On select in-store merchandise Serenade Pillow Top Queen 2 pc. set Medallion Pocket Coil Reg. Price $795 Provides exceptional comfort by combining unique cushioning with engineered back support. Reg. Price $995 Reduce tossing and turning with individual pocket coil construction. Try Out our Newest Collection of Wellness Mattresses featuring Space Age Memory Foam Sizzling New Prime Time Menu AVAILABLE FROM 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. DAIL Y SHOW US CANADA'S of your oldest mattress at any of our 6 Royal Mattress locations. Or enter online: www.royalmattress.com Rules & Regulations online. No Interest! No Payments for 6 Months! Burlington 5280 South Service Rd. L7L 5H5 (905) 639-7881 Hamilton 640 Queenston Rd. L8K 1K2 (905) 560-0075 Hamilton Mountain 1065 Upper James St. L9C 3A6 (905) 388-4534 Kitchener 1151 Victoria St. N. N2B 3C8 (519) 742-0678 Oakville 490 Speers Rd. L6K 2G3 (905) 842-9442 London 4380 Wellington Rd. S. N6E 2Z6 (519) 685-0982 Choose a crisp mixed green salad, a sizzling prime steak, salmon or chicken, garlic mashed potatoes or a signature vegetable and dessert. All for $54.* MISSISSAUGA: 77 CITY CENTRE DRIVE HWY 10 & BURNHAMTHORPE RD Made by Canadians. Sold by Canadians. Guaranteed by Canadians. TORONTO DOWNTOWN: RICHMOND & UNIVERSITY TORONTO HILTON HOTEL 905- 897-8555 416-955-1455 www.ruthschris.ca *NOT INCLUDING TAX AND GRATUITY