Tough Decisions Ahead

Tuesday, 25 November 2014 15:25

LDCSB looking at multi million dollar deficit for 2014/15 school year

LONDON - The London District Catholic School Board has some tough decisions ahead.

This comes as the board learned Monday night, due to a pay equity projections and over-run for substitute teachers, the board is looking at a $4.2 million budget deficit for the 2014/15 school year.

Director of Education Linda Staudt says they will have to find efficiencies as they are spending more than they are receiving in funding. "We are about six months into a process that will also help us to identify possible solutions and alternatives. While it's never good to be in this position, we are confident that the process we are in, we will be in a position to be back to identify those areas, to be back in a balanced budget." Last June the Board began a process to take a closer look at existing structures, models of program delivery and approaches to service provisions.

At this point, Staudt doesn't know how the deficit will impact staffing. "We're making no decision right now. What we can say is that at the end of the process we will be a leaner and more efficient Board but where that will happen, we don't know yet."

During their board meeting Monday night, trustees were told the board was embarking on a year long initiative that to help address pressures of declining enrolment and falling revenues through consultation and input from stakeholders.

Staudt says the board was given an Environmental Scan which laid out all facets of the board including students, employees, schools, student achievement and the programs they offer.

"What we are now going to enter in to is a process where we want -- from our employees, our parents, our stakeholders -- tell us, what you see are the challenges you see facing us and also provide us alternatives."

According to the Board, a multi year budget plan will be unveiled in April and work will begin on the development of a multi year strategic plan.