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Despite COVID-19 uncertainties, Catholic school board approves balanced budget for 2020-2021 school year

Senior staff will continue to monitor the system needs and make changes as necessary, according to board director John Crocco
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NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees has approved a balanced budget for 2020-2021.

The $267-million operating budget was passed at a special Board Meeting on July 14, 2020. It represents a continued commitment to fiscal stewardship and responsibility, while addressing the uncertainties caused by COVID-19 and providing the necessary programs, supports and services for all students.

“On behalf of Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees, I would like to thank senior staff for their diligence in creating a balanced budget for the coming school year,” said Chair of the Board Frank Fera.

“The coming school year comes with a great deal of uncertainty, and I have no doubt that creating a balanced budget was a challenge. I am grateful to our senior administrative team, who worked very hard to create a budget that addresses the need for the many additional safeguards for students and staff when schools reopen and the need to be financially prudent, with the Board’s continued commitment to provide the best programs, supports and services to students. This budget sets the stage for our incoming Director of Education, Camillo Cipriano, and new Senior Team to move forward in the future.”

Director of Education John Crocco thanked all those who participated in the process of creating a “realistic and responsible” 2020-2021 budget.

“Following an extensive consultation process, Senior Administrative Council presented the Board with the Original Estimates for the Annual Budget designed to achieve the 2020-2021 System Priorities within the funding provided by the Province,” said Director Crocco.

“Certainly, this has been a challenging year to create a budget, with so many forces that are outside our control influencing expenditures. However, after months of hard work, thoughtful consideration, and decisions in the best interests of all students and staff, we are confident that the 2020-2021 budget will optimize all areas of the provincial funding to ensure the Board continues to provide effective and innovative programs, supports and services for all of our students.

“Senior staff will continue to monitor the system needs and budget throughout the year, particularly regarding enrolment numbers, and will make any necessary changes to ensure that we continue to meet the needs of all of our student within the context of a balanced budget.”

The 2020-2021 Annual Budget is available in Section B3 of the July 14 Special Board Meeting agenda.

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