Public education is the cornerstone of a democratic society. It allows all students to have access to a quality education and the chance for a better life.

As a large publicly funded organization which serves approximately 65,000 students in 123 schools in the Region of Waterloo, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) works hard to make the budgeting process transparent and accessible to families and community members each year.

The annual WRDSB budget is developed in consultation with staff and Board committees. The budget must follow the funding regulations set out in the Ministry of Education’s Core Education Funding, in compliance with the Education Act.

The WRDSB’s budget is more than just numbers – it represents staff and facilities that support the academic success and well-being of our students each day.

What You Need to Know

The WRDSB has been prudent and fiscally responsible in its spending for several years, which has resulted in accumulation of $51.2 million in reserves as of the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Due to Ministry of Education regulations, we are unable to make use of our reserves for the purpose of preventing changes to staffing and services in 2024-25.

Much like individual households and businesses, school boards (including the WRDSB) are experiencing the impact of inflation and increasing costs for operations. Without additional provincial funding to support the increased costs, school boards are forced to make difficult spending decisions. School boards are currently underfunded for areas such as daily supply staff costs to cover staff absences and funding has been removed for the implementation of de-streaming and single streaming in Grades 9 and 10. WRDSB must also abide by contractual agreements for staffing and salaries.

How WRDSB Addressed Funding Gaps in 2023-24

In the 2023-24 school year, the WRDSB had a total budget of $943.9 million. Of that amount, the WRDSB Operating Budget is $848.3 million and its Capital Budget is $95.6 million. Due to a variety of fiscal pressures (e.g. short-term supply costs to cover staff absences, transportation, commodities and services), the 2023-2024 budget was forecasted to have a shortfall of $13.21 million.

To avoid a large deficit that would violate Ministry regulations, the WRDSB took action to identify $6.43 million in savings through reductions to central non-school staff positions, as well as a reduction in spending on technology and other commodities. In working through this process, we were able to ensure that the total allocation of school and support staff across the WRDSB remained consistent.

2024-25 Financial Challenges

As we look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, costs related to short-term supply staff (Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants), facility operations and supplies to support student achievement will continue to represent a budget challenge for the WRDSB. Changes in Ministry of Education priorities will also create challenges, such as reduced funding for de-streaming implementation. We also know that limited provincial funding will have a direct impact on the classroom and our ability to support the WRDSB strategic directions, including increased student learning through engagement; support for student and staff well-being and equitable opportunities and outcomes.

We remain committed to prioritizing spending in areas that support student achievement and well-being. And we will continue to focus on our transparency and accountability through the many ways we are sharing back with you about our progress with the Board Improvement and Equity Plan, the Student Achievement Plan, the Community Report Card, the Human Rights Annual Report and the WRDSB Annual Report.

Budget Process

To further support transparency and accountability, we will be sharing a breakdown of the 2024-25 budget to help families, caregivers and community members better understand our expenses, sources of revenue and provincial funding.

How we spend our funding is directly connected to our operational goals:

Download a copy of the 2024-2025 WRDSB Budget Summary.

By the Numbers (2024-25)

Total students – 65,102
Total number of employees – 11,000*
Extended Day Enrolment – 4,687*
Total number of schools – 123
Total 2024-25 Budget – $991,002,496
Operating Budget – $899,546,616
Capital Budget – $91,455,880

*Based on estimates

Budget Breakdown

$779.0 M Core Education Funding + $5.7 M Responsive Education Programs Funding + Other Revenue Sources (Grants, Investments, School Generated Funds etc.) $108.5 M – Operating Expenses $899.5 M
– Public Sector Accounting Adjustments** $6.3M = Balanced Budget

Revenues

Core Education Funding – $779.0M
Responsive Education Programs Funding – $5.7 M
Other Revenue Sources

  • Labour (Bill 124) Provision- $25.2M
  • Extended Day Program Revenue – $15.9 M
  • School Generated Funds – $13.5 M
  • Miscellaneous- $54.0 M

Total Revenues – $893.3 M

Expenditures

Classroom Instruction (Salaries, Supplies & Services, Equipment) – $613.8 M
School Administration (Salaries (P, VP, Secretaries), Supplies & Services) – $56.3 M
Central Administration (Trustees, Central Administration and Support Services Staff) – $19.1 M
School Facilities (Operating) – $122.1 M
Continuing Education (Summer School, Languages, Supplies and Services) – $2.6 M
Student Transportation – $23.3 M
Other (Extended Day Program, School Generated Funds, Labour Provision) – $62.3 M

Total Expenditures – $899.5 M

Budget Pressures

2024-25 Projected Supply Staff Costs – $27.3 M
Funding we receive from the Ministry for Supply Staff – $11.2 M
Statutory Benefits – Estimated budget pressure (CPP) is $1.26 M

Priorities

  • Math Achievement Action Plan
  • Structured Literacy Multi-Year Plan
  • Graduation pathways and transitions
  • Mental health, well-being and engagement

** Public Sector Accounting Standards allow public institutions to make adjustments to revenue and expenditures which are not related to regular operating expenditure to determine a budget deficit or surplus.

2024-25 Budget Timelines

  • April 26, 2024 – Core Education Funding Released by the Ministry of Education
  • Spring 2024 – Board Committee Budget Consultations (e.g. Special Education Advisory Committee, Parent Involvement Committee, etc.)
  • June 5, 2024 – Special Budget Meeting
  • June 12, 2024 – Special Budget Meeting
  • June 19, 2024 – Special Budget Meeting, if needed
  • June 12, 2024 – Budget Approval
  • Winter 2024/Spring 2025 – Interim Financial Report and Forecast Updates

Visit the Board Meeting website for the Meeting Agendas and Minutes, as well as the link to join the Live Stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Budget

Where does WRDSB receive its funding?

The WRDSB receives funding through the Core Education Funding and Responsive Education Programs funding from the Government of Ontario. This is based on the average daily enrollment of students to support costs. Most of our funding is from provincial grants. The WRDSB also acquires revenue from fees it collects from International Students, through its Extended Day Programs, and School Generated Funds (school trips, fundraising etc.). As a growing board, our enrollment has increased by almost 1,500 students since 2017-18.

How does the WRDSB decide where to spend its funding?

The Ontario government directs how most of the WRDSB funding can be spent. The majority of WRDSB funding is spent on operational costs, including salaries, benefits (which are largely determined by collective agreements), supplies and services to support student learning. In alignment with our Strategic Directions, WRDSB prioritizes spending in areas that support student achievement and well-being. There are additional costs, including student transportation, administration and maintenance and facility improvements.

Can the school board approve a deficit budget?

The Education Act requires that school boards approve a balanced budget, unless the deficit can be covered by accumulated surplus (reserves) from the prior year and is less than 1% of operating revenue from the Ministry of Education. Otherwise, the board must obtain approval of the Minister before final approval of the budget. A detailed plan must be provided to the provincial government outlining how the deficit will be eliminated.

When is the budget finalized?

WRDSB Board of Trustees must approve the final budget by the end of June each year.

What is the time period for the budget?

The budget covers a fiscal year from September 1 until August 31. WRDSB staff provide interim financial reports and forecast updates throughout the year to the Board of Trustees.

How do I share my thoughts about the WRDSB budget or engage in the process?

If you have information that you would like the WRDSB to consider during its budgeting process, you are encouraged to contact your Trustee. Board Meetings and Committee of the Whole Meetings are open to the public and are recorded and available for viewing on the YouTube live stream.