The Budget Process
As the largest and most diverse school board in the country, the TDSB has a unique set of needs when it comes to what is required to best support our students and communities. To ensure that we continue to support all students, we developed the Multi-Year Strategic Plan to set direction and identify system goals. The focus of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan is to ensure that every student has equitable access to programs and resources, and increased opportunities that lead to success.
The Ministry of Education announces revisions to education funding and the amounts that school boards will receive in the spring of each year. Funding for education is determined through a set of provincial benchmark costs for the major components of education operations, as well as the number of students. By law, school boards are required to balance their budgets by June 30. TDSB Trustees and staff work together to create a balanced budget that best supports the achievement and well-being of all students within the funding provided by the province.
The TDSB’s annual operating budget is approximately $3.4 billion and we are committed to using these resources as responsibly and effectively as possible. However, the funding provided by the government does not fully meet the needs of students in Toronto. Read about the TDSB’s key funding priorities and concerns:
Last Year's Budget Process
Last year, TDSB Trustees approved a list of strategic budget drivers to help guide the important conversations that determined the Board’s funding priorities. These budget drivers will continue to guide the development of the 2020-21 budget this year.
In 2019, school boards across Ontario faced unique challenges in balancing their operating budgets because of millions of dollars in funding reductions by the Ontario Ministry of Education. At the TDSB, trustees approved $67.8 million in reductions to staff and changes to program/service delivery to balance the budget. The $67.8 million included a $42.1 million cut in provincial government funding and a budget shortfall of $25.7 million. The operating budget of approximately 3.4 billion continues to support the TDSB’s commitment to equity, and the achievement and well-being of all students. Learn more about the 2019-20 budget.
Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee Upcoming Meetings:
Given the late announcements of the GSNs, Boards have been given until August 15, 2020 to submit their balanced budgets to the Ministry of Education. TDSB trustees approved the following schedule of meetings for the 2020-21 Budget.
| Date
|
Event
|
Notes
|
| June 19th
|
Release of GSN funding memorandum
|
This is the high level policy and funding information
|
June 23rd
12 p.m.
|
Special FBEC
|
Presentation of report on GSN Funding Memorandum
|
July 7th
12 p.m.
|
Special FBEC
|
Presentation of report on 2020-21 Financial Position and draft budget. This presentation will include costing of transitional supports for September start-up to support students and staff
Presentation of draft Capital Budget for 2020-21
|
| July 8th
|
Virtual Town Halls
|
This would be an opportunity for stakeholders to hear a presentation on the draft budget and to provide feedback
|
July 9th
12 p.m.
|
Special FBEC
|
This meeting would be to receive a report on the Virtual Town Halls
Written or virtual delegations to the Budget Committee
|
July 15th
12 p.m.
|
Special FBEC
|
Review of Draft budget and feedback on considerations for adjustments based on community feedback
|
Aug 5th
12 p.m.
|
Special FBEC
|
Presentation of the final draft budget and supporting document for approval
|
Aug 6th
3:30 p.m.
|
Special Board
|
Approval of 2020-21 Operating and Capital Budgets
|
FBEC Budget Reports:
October 13
August 5
July 15
July 7
June 23
June 9
May 13
April 20
March 12
Budget discussions are being videotaped and posted to our website for those who may not be able to attend meetings in person.
Budget Consultations
This year, as a result of the closure of schools and cancellation of in-person meetings at the TDSB due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two virtual budget town hall meetings have been scheduled for July 8 (1pm and 7pm) to ensure that the community has the opportunity to provide their feedback on the TDSB draft budget which will be presented at a Special FBEC on July 7. Please see the full report for details. Please also note written deputations at committee meetings are encouraged at any time.