The Lambton Kent District School Board has approved a balanced budget for 2016-2017 that totals nearly $260.4-million.
Superintendent of Business Brian McKay says the budget is based on a projected enrollment of 21,495 students and a total full-time equivalent staff complement of more than 2,300.
"This budget represents a decrease from last year," says McKay.
"Two thirds of the budget is based on pupil enrollment in school boards across the province and due to declining enrollment in the Lambton Kent District School Board, we are actually showing a decrease in our budget. So our budget for the 2015/2016 school year was just over $262-million. So we are down roughly $2-million dollars year over year."
There is $1-million in the budget from reserves to carry out the third phase of a $4.6-million multi-year technology upgrade project.
It involves creating a more mobile platform, improved access to digital resources and a technology platform that is faster and easier to use.
The improved infrastructure will support the board's enriched learning technology plan that will see every Grade 7 student receive an iPad.
McKay says they started that program in their 2015-2016 budget.
"Basically 1,500 iPads were prepared and provided to our Grade 7 students so we're looking at a similar number for next year."
-With files from Melanie Irwin
