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2019-2020 TDSB BudgetInformation on our Website has been updated. Each year staff work to support the Board of Trustees to pass a balanced budget. This year's budget is $3.4B. Between now and June, a great deal of time will be focused on the budget process and ensuring that all resources are distributed in a way that is responsible and effective and best supports our students and families. Over the course of the next several months, there are multiple meetings scheduled for the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (FBEC) to discuss matters related to the budget process. There will also be a public consultation on budget priorities during March. In order for this process to be as open and transparent as possible, all meetings will be recorded and made available online for those who are unable to attend in person.
Below you will find links to the proposed Committee Schedule, Timelines and Milestones.
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Update on EPO Grants Please see below from Chair Robin Pilkey At the Program & School Services Committee (PSSC) meeting on Wednesday the Director was asked about further provincial reductions in EPO grants. He indicated that we received news that the Ministry is cutting the provincial subsidy, mid-year, that allows TDSB to offer no cost school permits for schools (Community Use of Schools grants) in the city’s priority neighborhoods. The Director also indicated an update report on the EPO grants will be provided at Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (FBEC) which meets next week. In reviewing this most recent grant reduction to community use of schools, there is an alarming trend in the Ministry’s grants cancellations dating back to mid-December when we first received news of which EPOs would be funded and which ones would see a funding reduction or cancellation. In short, many programs that provide extra supports for students from the city’s priority neighborhoods or lower income communities have been cancelled and some important ones remain unfunded with no decision as of yet. Naturally, as a Board that views equity as a strategic priority and does what it can and where it can to create a level playing field for our students and their families, cancelling proven grants and programs that help and support students from families facing social-economic challenges is a significant concern.
On Friday, the Chair sent a letter to Minister Thompson expressing these concerns and asking the Minister to reconsider these cuts and to continue to fund the Focus on Youth Summer Program. You can read more in the article in Saturday's Toronto Star. Below, you can read more about the reports that are before us at FBEC Wednesday.
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TDSB Committees This WeekFinance, Budget and Enrollment Committee - Wed, Jan 23, 2019 4:30 p.m. Boardroom, 5050 Yonge Street - Agenda
5. Trustee Financial Orientation Session ( PowerPoint Presentation) - As part of the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee meeting on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, time has been allotted to provide a financial orientation training session for trustees.
6.2. First Quarter Interim Financial Report, 2018-19 - The first quarter report from 1 September 2018 to 30 November 2018 outlines the financial position of the Board relative to the approved budget. It is important to note that this is an early look at the Board’s financial position after the first three months of operation in the 2018-19 school year. While there have been changes
in enrolment and expenditure forecasts, the Board remains in a balanced financial position.
6.3. Update on Educational Program Other (EPO) Grants for 2018-19 - As per the Chair's messaging above, it is recommended that the Board approve that permits continue to be issued to the organizations that fall under the Community Use of Schools - Priority Schools Initiative
following the parameters outlined in this report.
6.4. Budget Development Timelines, 2019-20 - This report outlines the proposed timeline to develop the 2019-2020 Operating and Capital budgets for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
6.7. Three-Year Enrolment Projections - Enrolment projections are updated annually to support budget planning, capital planning, and Ministry reporting. The tables below outline the projected Average Daily enrolment (ADE) of Pupils of the Board for 2017-18 to 2021-22, and the net change in enrolment over the next three years.
For Information Only ($50K - $500K) - Ledbury Park EMS Emergency Cooling Centre - Black & McDonald Ltd.
- Lawrence Park CI Emergency Cooling Centre - SIG Mechanical Services
- Joyce PS Heating Plant Replacement - SIG Mechanical Services
- Vaughan Road Academy (Davisville PS) - Boiler Replacement M. Schultz Mechanical
- John Wanless JPS Windows & Doors Replacement - Edgefield Construction Inc.
- Vaughan Road Academy (Davisville PS) Emergency Generator removal and AC inverter -installation Electric Group Ltd.
- Joyce PS Barrier Free Upgrades - Classic Construction Company
For Committee Approval ($500K - $1M) - Lawrence Park CI Upgrade North & South Parking Lots West Metro Contracting
8.1. Property Matters - Courcelette Public School - Oral Update
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Ward Forum on Tuesday - Elections for PIAC and FSLAC
At our Ward Forum Tuesday, we will be electing our Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Representative and Alternate and also our French as A Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC) Representative and Alternate. I am very happy to let you know that all being well, we should be well represented on both PIAC and FSLAC. I have received the following nominations - Jess Hungate (parent at NTCI who is currently completing his second term as Ward 8 Representative) and Kaydeen Bankasingh (parent at Baycrest) have submitted their forms for PIAC and Lynne LeBlanc (parent at Davisville) is interested in being our FSLAC Representative. Natalie Phelan (parent at Allenby and current alternate representing Ward 8) has confirmed she would like to remain. Short BIOs for all nominated will be provided at the Ward Forum. In addition, I have heard others may be interested but have not received confirmation from them, Please note, however, interested parents can be nominated from the floor and we will hold elections as required.
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20th Anniversary of Family Literacy Day
“Family Literacy Day® is a national awareness initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 and held annually on January 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Parents’ literacy skills and their ability to engage with their children in ways that encourage literacy at an early age have a lasting and far-reaching impact on children’s language development, future success in school and well being throughout their lives."
In celebration of this special day, activities marking the importance of reading together as a family are taking place in the 77 EarlyON Child and Family Centres in elementary schools across the TDSB this week.
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Update re Distribution of Presto Cards
Further to my messaging about Presto Cards for children and youth from my September 17, 2018 Update staff have informed me that we are looking at a distribution of these cards in the spring prior to the end of school. There are several reasons for that. The first is that we need time to develop and method of recording the numbers on the cards, for each student, so we can load those cards that qualify for transportation. Second since TTC/Metrolinx is only offering free cards once, which will only start use of in September 2019, we are thinking that issuing them too soon would create a higher risk of loss by the student! Note that you can purchase a child card now - t o set a child fare on a PRESTO card you can visit any one of the Shoppers Drug Mart locations that sell PRESTO cards. You will be required to show government issued identification.
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New Invitations -
- Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at 7pm or Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 7pm
What is a PART? This process looks at the programs offered within a community or grouping of schools and identifies program gaps or space needs. A review may involve looking at a range of options to increase access to programs including the establishment of new schools, introduction of new specialized programs or possible changes to grade configurations. More information about Program Area Reviews can be found in the brochure. Information specific to this PART can be found by clicking on the link of the schools above.
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Winter Walk Day 2019Walking and wheeling to and from school is encouraged - journey outside throughout the entire month of February and in fact, every day! Resources are available on the website.
Share your Winter Walk Day 2019 photos and stories - Tag @tdsb @OntarioAST
#WinterWalkDay #WWD2019 #Walk2School #ActiveSchoolTravel
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Worth Repeating - InvitationsThe Toronto District School Board is excited to host the first-ever TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Montecassino Hotel & Event Venue, 3710 Chesswood Dr REGISTER NOW For available opportunities with the TDSB and application details, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Employment
Social Networking and Online Safety - An Evening for Parents with Paul Davis - February 12, 2019 at Cedarvale Community School, 145 Ava Rd, at 6:30pm African Heritage Month February 2019 - Opening Celebration - February 1 at Downsview Secondary School - 5:30pm; Black Student Empowerment Conference - February 28, 2019; Ibada Marketplace - March 27, 2019 at Lawrence Heights PS
Chinese Heritage Month February 2019 - The theme selected by the planning committee for this year is Year of the Pig - Happy, Easy Going, Honest, Trusting, Sincere, Optimistic & Sociable. Opening Celebration - Friday, February 1, 2019 at Kennedy Public School, 20 Elmfield Crescent 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
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Worth Repeating - Optional AttendanceStudents have the right to attend schools based on their home address. Students also have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their residential address by applying on optional attendance. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. Check the status of schools here. The procedures, conditions and timelines relating to optional attendance are described in the Optional Attendance Policy and the Optional Attendance Operational Procedure. You can apply to 2 regular programs and 2 specialty programs out of area. Elementary Form - Applications must be received by Friday, February 15, 2019.
Secondary Form - Applications must be received by Friday, February 1, 2019.
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Worth Repeating - Policy ConsultationsFrom the TDSB Website - We Want to Hear From You - The objective of consultation is to gather public input regarding options, alternative courses of action, as well as to identify unintended effects for various participants and to find solutions. We would like to know your thoughts about our policy decisions by inviting you to our policy consultations. Please click on the policy of your interest to see the current draft. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below. Restrictions on Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use Policy (P0XX) - To promote a working and learning environment that is free from the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and substance use, including tobacco, cannabis, and its related products. Click here for Draft Policy (save as work document) Closes January 31, 2019 Contact Gillian.Venning@tdsb.on.ca Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (P0XX) - To establish the framework for the Board’s compliance with the MFIPPA and other applicable legislations; and; to demonstrate the Board’s commitment to protection of personal information while recognizing and supporting the public’s right of access to information in the custody and control of the Board and its third party providers. Closes February 4, 2019 Draft Policy Contact: Gillian.Venning@tdsb.on.ca Home Instruction Policy (P060) - To establish the Board's commitment to providing home instruction services for all eligible pupils in accordance with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 298, Operation of Schools – General under the Education Act. Closes February 22, 2019 Draft Policy Contact: Ron.Felsen@tdsb.on.ca Student Dress Code Policy (P042) - To establish standards and fair and equitable practices for student dress in schools; centered on student engagement and student voice. To recognize that students need the freedom to express themselves and experience school as an important social environment, not a professional work environment, and that dress plays a fundamental role in how students build healthy relationships and express themselves. Click for Draft Policy (save as word document) Student Dress Code Policy Survey - Closes February 28, 2019 Contact Kenneth.Jeffers@tdsb.on.ca
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Worth Repeating - Other Items of Interest The application process for the Junior Extended French program will open January 7, 2019 and close February 4, 2019. Please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/french. If you missed the Web Chat on this program you can still click here for the information. Please Note: While admission to the Early French Immersion (SK entry)/Junior Extended French (Grade 4 entry) program is guaranteed at the entry points to all eligible on time applicants, admission to a specific school is not guaranteed if the school reaches capacity. Application to begin these programs is open to all students not already enrolled in an FSL program.
Open Houses for Secondary School - To help you make an informed decision when choosing a high school, TDSB schools host information nights for parents and grade 8 students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. The dates and times for all High School Information Nights are available online at http://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Open-Houses-and-Information-Nights.
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School Year Calendar 2018-2019The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, inclusive.- The last day of class for elementary students is June 27, 2019
- The last day of class for secondary (full-year) students is June 25, 2019
- The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 26, 2019
2018 - 2019 Dates to Remember: Official Holidays and PA Days
Remaining PA Days & Statutory Holidays
- Secondary PA Day - (Semestered Schools only)* January 31, 2019
- Board-wide PA Day February 15, 2019
- Family Day February 18, 2019
- March Break March 11 to 15, 2019
- Good Friday April 19, 2019
- Easter Monday April 22, 2019
- Victoria Day May 20, 2019
- Elementary School PA Day June 7, 2019
- Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only)* June 26, 2019
- Secondary School PA Day June 27, 2019
- Board-wide PA Day June 28, 2019
- Passover 2019 will begin in the evening of Friday, April 19 and ends in the evening of Saturday, April 27 (first 2 and last 2 days are considered holy)
- Ramadan 2019 will begin in the evening of Sunday, May 5 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, June 4 (Dates may vary)
- Eid al-Fitr celebrated at the end of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, June 4
EQAO - The following dates have been established:
- Gr. 9 Math: 1st Semester: January 14-25, 2019
- Gr. 9 Math: 2nd Semester: June 5-18, 2019
- OSSLT: March 27, 2019
- Primary/Junior EQAO: May 21-June 3, 2019
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