OCDSB Downtown Budget Info Night

On January 14 2010 Trustees Bronwyn Funiciello, Jennifer McKenzie and Rob Campbell jointly organized an evening of downtown community partner dialogue aimed at defining what needs to be protected and what can be cut for next school year's budget. These three trustees have the website OCDSBdowntownTrustees.ca
Report on 2010 January 14th Downtown Trustees Budget Consultation Submitted jointly by Trustees Campbell, Funiciello and McKenzie. January 2010 to the OCDSB Budget Committee

Trustee Bronwyn Funiciello	Trustee Jennifer McKenzie	Trustee Rob Campbell

The evening started with the songs by OrKidstra KidSingers a group of children from the downtown area.
OrKidstra KidSingers6 minutes playing time

With an introduction from CBC's Adrian Harewood, OCDSB Chief Financial Officer Michael Clarke spoke for 20 minutes outlining challenges. He spent good portion at the beginning outlining the Provincial deficit and the mid term impact on school budget restraint he expects will be a result.
PDF of the slides OCDSB Chief Financial Officer Michael Clarke refers to in his presentation.

Michael Clarke's presentation17 minutes playing time

OCDSB Budget info on board server

After Chief Financial Officer Michael Clarke's presentation there were then opportunities for questions.

Question 1 - About Paraprofessional staff Question 1 - About Paraprofessional staff Question 2 - All day kindergarten Question 2 - All day kindergarten Question 3 - Revenue from rental of facilities Question 3 - Revenue from rental of facilities Question 4 - Recover money from auto bailout for education Question 4 - Recover money from auto bailout for education Question 5 - Potential savings from change to Alternative Program Question 5 - Potential savings from change to Alternative Program Question 6 - About proposed reduction to transportation Question 6 - About proposed reduction to transportation Question 7 - How to advocate for additional resources for individual school Question 7 - How to advocate for additional resources for individual school Question 8 - Confirm that board has not included savings from cutting the Alternative program in budget documents Question 8 - Confirm that board has not included savings from cutting the Alternative program in budget documents Question 9 - Has board explored opportunities to increase revenue Question 9 - Has board explored opportunities to increase revenue

After the questions the participants divided into a number of smaller groups. A short report was then given by each group.

Report from table 1 Report from table 1 Report from table 2 Report from table 2 Report from table 3 Report from table 3