Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board trustees have approved a revised budget of $102,574,587 for the 2024-25 school year.
The new budget figure approved at Wednesday’s regular monthly board meeting comes after the original figure of $95,081,179 was approved in June.
That's an extra $7 million for the board.
"As for the source of the increased funding, it has been fully provided by the Ministry. The additional funding is primarily driven by the impacts of Bill 124, union contract settlements and our growing enrolment numbers. The increased funding is being utilized to enhance student learning," said Brian McKinlay, H-SCDSB manager of financial services, in an email to SooToday.
The June budget figure was based partly on projections for elementary and secondary enrolment.
Since then enrolment has increased by 76 students.
As a result the Ministry of Education increased funding to the board for student needs and additional staffing.
H-SCDSB reports having 3,780 elementary students as of Oct. 31, 2024 -- 67 more than originally projected.
There were 832 secondary students as of Oct. 31, 2024, which is nine more than projected in June.
"Regarding our staffing levels, we have seen an increase in enrolment compared to our budget projections, which has resulted in adding 7.18 FTE to our staff. This number includes both full-time and part-time employees," McKinlay said.
"We have increased our team by adding three educational assistants, one early childhood educator, one behaviour coach and two student and family counsellors. The additional teachers are primarily related to schools outside Sault Ste. Marie."