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Catholic board: Cuts must be made By TIM WHITNELL Metroland Media Group Halton Catholic District School Board trustees have been presented with options for a balanced budget for the 2012-13 school year. Board staff told trustees at last Tuesday's board meeting they have identified $2.5 million in expenditure reductions in order to provide a balanced budget for the next school year, which is mandated by the provincial Ministry of Education. In order to achieve a projected budget of approximately $320.3 million, which includes a $4.3 million increase (1.37 per cent) in revenue from the Province, board staff has identified several areas where money can be saved. The biggest single reduction in spending being recommended is $640,000 from the Facilities Services Department through the deferral of maintenance work at some schools and other board-operated buildings. Facilities superintendent Giacomo Corbacio was asked by trustees how his department would reduce its costs. "We are not sure exactly at this point," Corbacio told the board, noting he and his staff will address the situation as maintenance and repair projects come up. The second-largest expenditure reduction in the 2012-13 budget is $612,000 less in staffing costs recommended for certain departments through reductions in a consultant position, a human resources clerk, itinerant-based staff and attrition (retirements, people leaving the board). A half-million dollars in savings has been identified through reduced spending spread over eight board departments with the largest chunks being borne by curriculum ($200,000) and staff development ($120,000). Even the board's nine elected trustees will feel some fiscal pain as it is recommended $9,000 be chopped from their expenses, which represents $1,000 from each trustee's $3,000 annual expenses budget. "Everyone is going to have to help to get this thing balanced," board chair Alice Anne LeMay said at a previous board meeting in May. The board's reserve fund is also being targeted. The fund is projected to be $960,000 at of the end of 2011-12, with staff suggesting $270,000 be used from it. Also targeted for funding reduction is an overall decrease of $100,000 to the current $4.1 million given to the board's approximately 50 elementary and secondary schools for their annual school-based budgets, which covers some supplies and materials. A reduction of $80,000 is being recommended in the area of commissionaires, personnel who assist with lunchtime supervision and school safety at high schools. Each secondary school would have just one such person based on the proposed budget. Additionally, deferred revenue of about $300,000 has been found, says board finance department staff, rounding out the $2.5M needed to offset the projected deficit. Aside from the projected cutbacks, the 2012-13 budget includes some additional costs-- for staffing increases for the continued implementation of full-day Kindergarten, for information technology ($500,000) and contractual obligations. Trustees will consider the 2012-13 final budget estimates at the Tuesday, June 19 board meeting. A balanced budget must be submitted to the education ministry before June 30. WEEKEND FORECAST... Halton Hills HIGH FEELS LIKE 5 ·The IFP· Halton Hills, Thursday, June 14, 2012 FRI. 240 SAT. S 2 0 25 290 2 SUN. S 2 0 27 310 3 Last Chance BBQ's for DAD SHOWROOM 118 Guelph St.(at Maple) Free assembly, delivery and special gift! FURNACE, AIR CONDITIONING FIREPLACE & BBQ SALES and SERVICE 905-877-8990 www.asghomecomfort.com Georgetown Horticultural Society Annual Spring Garden Tour Sunday, June 24, 2012 10 am to 4 pm A Self Guided Tour Advance Tickets at: Foodstuffs - 89 Main St., Downtown Georgetown Hallmark Greetings, Marketplace Mall Day of Tour: 6 Callaghan Crescent, Georgetown, (Garden Site) For more info www.geohort.com ANNUAL MEETING Halton Healthcare Services Corporation 2011/12 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Thursday, June 21, 2012 Oakville Conference Centre 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville Reception 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. After 29+ years with RBC Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony 7:00 p.m. The accomplishments of Long Service Staff and Physicians will be celebrated. By-law changes will be recommended. Audited Financial Statements will be available at the meeting or by calling 905-815-5114. y OakvilleTrafalgar Memorial Hospital Georgetown Hospital y Milton District Hospital OakvilleTrafalgar Memorial Hospital PAT WALKER Customer Assistance Officer Guelph/Mountainview Has elected to retire Effective June 30th, 2012 Please join us in wishing her all the best as she transitions into her new "envious" routines!! www.haltonhealthcare.com www.haltonhealthcare.com Georgetown Hospital Milton District Hospital