Niagara public board sets $584 million budget; Niagara Catholic less at $294 million

For parents curious about the difference between the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) and the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) when it comes to their operating budgets, it basically comes down to a numbers game.

The DSBN runs 79 elementary schools and 20 secondary schools this year with over 36,000 students.

Under their umbrella, the HCDSB has 49 elementary schools and eight secondary schools, serving a total of 21,000 students.

That’s why when both boards passed their 2023-24 operating budgets last week, the public board’s seemed so much higher at $584,913,491, an increase of over $38 million higher than this year’s.

The smaller Catholic board also saw a $15 million increase to $294-million from last year’s $279-million but in essence, both boards are doing the same thing with varying numbers of programs, students and facilities.

In fact, the DSBN is anticipating a serious enrolment hike in September of 3.58 per cent, or nearly 1,400 more elementary and secondary students, bringing DSBN’s total enrolment up to 41,700 students.

While that, in and of itself, would mean the need for 109 new teachers, due to retirements, the board is actively seeking 200 new teachers, meaning a lot of fresh faces at the front of the class.

“With this budget, we are once again in an excellent position to directly support students and give them the learning experience they deserve,” said DSBN Director of Education Warren Hoshizaki.

The Catholic board will be looking at the traditional curriculum and beyond with their 2023-24 school year.

“We have placed a focus on the important transition between elementary school and high school, mental health supports, and Indigenous education, as well as ensuring that students have a strong foundation in key areas, such as reading, writing and mathematics,” said Danny Di Lorenzo, Chair of the Niagara Catholic trustees.