The treasurer for the Avon Maitland District School Board says the budget that's been approved by the board is almost identical to last year's budget.
The total budget is just over $207-million. Sheri Carter says while enrolment is down by about 2.4%, revenues were only down by $238,000.
Carter adds the ministry provided some extra enhancements to this year's funding. The extra money covered increases in the new collective agreements that were negotiated provincially as well as increased utility costs and cost of living increases. The difference between revenue and expenses is within $200,000 compared to last year.
Carter adds what many people don't realize is that school board can no longer set their budgets. The province provides the funding and the board are legally obligated to balance their budgets with the funding provided.
