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Flatlining student population causing problems An influx of in-year funding from the prov-financial services staff said they dont expect0.2 per cent increase over 2010-11, or less thanContinued from page 1ince, although not guaranteed, could helpany of the $2 million in non-salary cuts to be60 new students spread over about 50 schools.Among the pressure points contributing toreduce or eliminate that years budget deficit.able to be permanently maintained.We are moving into a different era in ourthe $3.2 million shortfall are: decreases inWe are confident we will be able to bringThese cuts will be re-visited in the 2012-13history, Pautler observed. He said general stu-ministry funding for senior administrativeforward a compliant budget at our next (board)budget process, stated the report.dent enrolment growth across Ontario yearsstaff budgets, transportation grants, technol-meeting, Zucker stated.Education Director Michael Pautler empha-ago has morphed into a trend of decliningogy and professional development; only partialA ministry-compliant budget is one wheresized the budget review process beyond theenrolment in the last 10 years with only five of ministry coverage of negotiated employee sal-the in-year budget deficit is less than one pernext school years will have to begin much ear-58 boards in growth mode.ary increases; new ministry restrictions oncent of the operating grant revenue boardslier than usual in order to identify potentialAlthough both the Halton Catholic and pub-raising and spending school-generated funds;receive from the provincial government.savings.lic school boards bucked the trend and contin-and grants that cover only 26 Early LearningSo, for now, a minimum of $2 million has toWe are going to have to make tough deci-ued to grow, that has changed in recent years. Program (all-day kindergarten) classes, butbe cut from the upcoming budget.sions on (future) budgets. We have to talk to theIn the short term, 2-3 years, we will havewith 12 additional classes needed across theStaff is looking at $2 million in reductionspublic and see what are the priorities.growth in pockets (Milton/north Oakville andboard.for next year (but) our (department) budgetsPautler noted that part of the reason forBurlington) and decline in pockets, saidRevenue will not change significantly atare already pretty lean, said Zucker.reduced ministry funding is a flatlining in thePautler.this point, so anything we do (to reduce aA current-year deficit also can be offset byboards student population, whereas for the lastThe budget estimates for 2011-12, with pro-deficit) will be on the expenditure side, addedboards using surplus or reserve funds.several years the Halton Catholic board hasposed ways to deal with the deficit, should beboard financial services senior administratorZucker noted that many of the boardsbeen in a growth phase, which generates perbrought to trustees for approval at the Tuesday,Stacey Zucker.schools are in really good physical shape andpupil and programming revenue.June 21 board meeting.Even though school boards are mandatedmoney could be saved by deferring some main-The Halton Catholic boards estimatedSchool boards have a June 30 deadline toto pass balanced budgets, Zucker said the min-tenance projects.enrolment for 2011-12 is 18,000 elementarysubmit their coming year budget estimates toistry would allow Halton to carry about a $2.5In a written report to trustees, the boardspupils and 9,750 high school students, just athe education ministry.million deficit into the next school year.DISCOVER CAMEO BEAUTY. INSIDE AND OUT.AND FINE CABINETRYCELEBRATINGLUXURY. TORONTOMISSISSAUGA/OAKVILLE1020 Lawrence Ave. West3050 Vega Blvd.FASHION. (west of Dufferin)(Dundas and 403)35Tel: 416.256.2553Tel: 905.820.4841YEARSEXCLUSIVITY. Nowinwww.cameokitchens.comOakville 0EOIWLSVI 6SEH )EWX 3EOZMPPI ? ? [[[ FYVVS[WGPSXLMIVW GSQEst. 1983tnellecxEecivresNEW PROGRAMS ecnisSTARTING:3991 WEEKEND:June 11EVENING:June 274 DAY CONDENSED:407 Speers Road Suite 213June 27-30$SAVE 50905-825-1172valid for defensive driving programs only3 Friday, June 10, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com