The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s 2021/22 budget was recently approved by trustees, with operating revenue for that board at about $286 million, an increase of $7 million over 2020/21 numbers.
“We have presented a budget with an in-year deficit, which is allowed this year,” said Darren Schmidt, superintendent of business and finance with the board.
Operating expenditures for 2021/22 are $287,576,334. This represents a deficit of $1,052,832. The resulting operating accumulated surplus balance as of Aug. 31, 2022 is $2,591,162, which meets the board requirement of a one per cent operating reserve.
According to budget estimates, in 2020/21, enrolment hit higher numbers, but is expected to slightly decrease in 2021/22.
In 2020/21, elementary enrolment was 15,169, and is estimated at 15,163 in 2021/22. In the secondary panel, enrolment was 6,902 in 2020/21 and is expected to be at 6,753 in 2021/22.
About 79 per cent of the budget goes toward salaries, wages and benefits.
