The Limestone District School Board of Trustees is seeking feedback on the development of its 2021-2022 budget. 

School boards set an operating budget (revenues and expenses) and a capital budget (money for buying or maintaining fixed assets such as buildings, and equipment) for each school year. School board funding is determined for the most part through a provincial funding formula based on student enrolment. Funding for classroom teachers, learning materials, classroom supplies and technology, for example, is allocated on a per student basis. Some funding, often referred to as “enveloped” funding must be used for specific purposes such as special education, student achievement and capital or infrastructure needs. School boards must submit a balanced budget to the Ministry of Education.

Limestone’s 2020-2021 Budget will form the basis for the 2021-2022 Budget.

Limestone students, families, staff, and community partners are invited to participate in a brief survey to identify priorities for the equitable, successful, and fiscally responsible use of LDSB’s finite financial resources. As in previous years, all committees of the Board will also have an opportunity to identify and discuss budget issues where applicable.

The survey, which is anonymous, will be open until 4 p.m., March 19, 2021.

Budget Chair Tom Gingrich hopes stakeholders will take the opportunity to provide their input on priority areas for next year. “The Board’s goal is always to direct as many resources as possible to support student achievement and well-being,” says Trustee Gingrich. “It’s important for us to know the priorities of students, families, staff and the community so that we can make informed responsible decisions, especially given ongoing constraints and pressures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

All this information will assist the Board of Trustees throughout the budgeting process to ensure students’ needs are best served in 2021-2022. Information collected will be summarized and reviewed at the Budget Committee meeting on April 21, 2021.