The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Ottawa's largest public school board, is facing a projected $20 million deficit and is exploring various cost-saving measures to avoid a fifth consecutive deficit. Options under consideration include cuts to programs like adult high school and special education, selling vacant surplus properties, and reining in discretionary spending. The board is under financial pressure due to a provincial moratorium on school closures, costing nearly $20 million in revenue, as well as inflation and staffing costs. A final budget will be presented on June 10 and voted on June 23.
OCDSB mulls budget options in quest to save $20M
OttawaOttawa-Carleton District School BoardRandy GerriorInflationDiscretionary spendingSocietySchool boardsSpecial education
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Ottawa's largest public school board, is facing a projected $20 million deficit and is exploring various cost-saving measures to avoid a fifth consecutive deficit. Options under consideration include cuts to programs like adult high school and special education, selling vacant surplus properties, and reining in discretionary spending. The board is under financial pressure due to a provincial moratorium on school closures, costing nearly $20 million in revenue, as well as inflation and staffing costs. A final budget will be presented on June 10 and voted on June 23.
Trending- 1 Wednesday night (May 28, 2025): OCDSB committee of the whole meeting.
- 2 June 10: Staff will present a budget to trustees.
- 3 June 23: Board is slated to vote on the budget.
- 4 June 30: School boards in Ontario are required to pass a balanced budget by this date.
- Potential cuts to adult high school and special education programs.
- Sale of vacant school properties.
- Reduced discretionary spending within the board.
- Potential for unpopular decisions by trustees.
- Continued financial challenges for the board if a balanced budget is not achieved.
What: The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is considering program cuts and other cost-saving measures to address a projected $20 million deficit and avoid a fifth consecutive deficit.
When: Published May 29, 2025; 'Wednesday night' (May 28, 2025) committee meeting; budget to be finalized 'next month'; required to pass balanced budget by June 30; staff to present budget June 10; board to vote June 23.
Where: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Why: The OCDSB faces a $20 million deficit due to financial pressures including a provincial moratorium on school closures (costing nearly $20 million in revenue), inflation, and staffing costs, and currently has no reserves.
How: The board is mulling options such as cutting adult high school and reorganizing special education programs, selling surplus properties (e.g., the former McGregor Easson Public School), and reducing short-term discretionary spending on guest speakers and travel.