June 28, 2024
For Immediate Release
HWCDSB "places Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre."
Hamilton, ON. – During their June 25, 2024 meeting, Trustees of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board approved an operating budget of $405,596,233 and a capital budget of $17,798,543.
Chairperson Patrick J. Daly commented that the 2024-2025 budget focuses on allocating resources in support of our Catholic school system’s shared commitment to “place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre of students’ learning experiences and good stewardship.” He noted that the established Budget Pillars/Drivers of; excellence, dignity of the human person, adult faith formation and Catholic leadership development, home-parish-school triad, student and staff mental health and well-being, and good stewardship served as valuable signposts throughout the 2024-2025 budget process.
He indicated that while not without considerable challenge, the budget maintains current programs and includes additional resources in areas such as ESL Teacher and Child and Youth Worker support, purchase of the new Family Life Program (Grade 1): Blessed and Beloved, enhanced student retreats, renovations in four Catholic secondary schools to incorporate Life Skills/Alternative Learning classes, Grade 9 – 1:1 student devices, and approximately $1 million in support of enhancing elementary school student device standards and refreshing classroom devices.
New capital and renewal expenditures for the upcoming school year include school renewal funding in the amount of $4,817,123, school condition grant funding in the amount of $7,583,981, temporary accommodation (portable) allocation in the amount of $376,873, and necessary funds to support the completion of the additions at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School and Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School.
Chairperson Daly identified a number of ongoing budget pressures and risks and stressed the crucial importance of exercising continued responsible and prudent financial planning.
Associate Director of Corporate Services, Paola Pace-Gubekjian, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the budget development, stating, "The collaboration and willingness from staff and all participants in the budget development process to make decisions that reflect our shared responsibility regarding the Board's financial position is what, in part, contributed to our balanced budget."
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In closing comments, Chairperson Daly expressed deep gratitude to system and school leaders, teachers, support staff, Chaplaincy team leaders, employee group representatives, and trustees for their dedicated service and inspiring commitment to the good of our Catholic school system. He acknowledged those in the Board’s Finance (Corporate Services) Department and thanked them for their tireless work and wise counsel throughout the budget process. He most especially thanked Paola Pace-Gubekjian for her strong and faith-filled leadership and extraordinary service.
“It is my prayer that the 2024-2025 budget enables all of our students to realize their fullness of humanity of which Jesus Christ is the model.”
For more information, please contact
Patrick J. Daly
Chairperson of the Board
905-529-2930 Ext. 2162
