What Parents Should Know About School Board Funding

Introduction

School board funding is one of the most critical factors in determining the quality of education, access to resources, and student support services. However, many parents are unaware of how funding is allocated, what expenses it covers, and where financial limitations exist.

Understanding how school boards receive and distribute funding helps parents advocate for better resources, support school council initiatives, and ensure their child’s school gets the support it needs.

This guide will cover:

✔ How school boards receive funding

✔ How funds are allocated across schools

✔ What expenses school board funding covers

✔ Limitations of school board budgets

✔ How parents can advocate for better funding

1️⃣ How Do School Boards Receive Funding?

Publicly funded Catholic school boards receive most of their money from the Ontario Ministry of Education through Grants for Student Needs (GSN). These grants are meant to cover everything from teacher salaries to classroom resources, special education, and school operations.

📌 Key Sources of School Board Funding:

✔ Grants for Student Needs (GSN) – The primary source of funding provided by the Ontario government.

✔ Local fundraising & donations – Catholic School Councils (CSCs) and parent-led fundraising efforts contribute to specific school initiatives.

✔ Federal and provincial grants – Additional funds are sometimes provided for specialized programs or infrastructure improvements.

📌 While GSN funding is standardized, each school board has discretion on how to distribute money across schools based on student needs, school size, and operational costs.

2️⃣ How Are Funds Allocated Across Schools?

Each school board decides how to divide funding among individual schools, ensuring that money is used effectively while addressing local needs.

📌 Factors That Determine School Funding Allocation:

✔ Student Enrollment – More students = more funding for that school.

✔ Special Education Needs – Schools with higher numbers of students requiring special education services receive additional funding.

✔ School Size & Infrastructure – Larger schools or those with aging buildings may receive more funds for maintenance and improvements.

✔ Socioeconomic Factors – Schools in lower-income areas may receive targeted funding for student nutrition programs and additional support services.

📌 Although funding is distributed based on these factors, budget limitations mean schools must often prioritize spending, leaving some programs underfunded.

3️⃣ What Expenses Does School Board Funding Cover?

School board funding is divided into specific categories to ensure money is used appropriately.

📌 What School Board Funding Pays For:

✔ Teacher Salaries & Benefits

• A significant portion of funding goes toward teacher and staff salaries, benefits, and training.

• Educational Assistants (EAs), Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTs), and custodial staff are also funded through board allocations.

✔ Classroom & Learning Resources

• Funding covers textbooks, learning materials, and technology (e.g., Chromebooks, Smartboards).

• Science lab equipment, library books, and online learning subscriptions are included in this category.

✔ Special Education Programs & Support Services

• Speech therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, and specialized learning programs are funded through special education grants.

• Schools with higher numbers of students requiring accommodations receive additional resources.

✔ Facility Maintenance & School Operations

• Funding covers repairs, heating, electricity, janitorial services, and school security.

• Playgrounds, gymnasium maintenance, and outdoor spaces are also included in school operations funding.

✔ Student Support & Mental Health Programs

• Some funding is allocated to guidance counselors, social workers, and student wellness initiatives.

• Schools with higher needs may receive mental health funding for specialized programs.

📌 While these areas receive funding, budget limitations often mean schools must cut or delay funding for non-essential items such as extracurricular activities, classroom improvements, and technology upgrades.

4️⃣ Limitations of School Board Budgets

Despite receiving funding from the provincial government, many school boards face financial constraints that impact student learning.

📌 Common Budget Limitations in Schools:

🔸 Limited Classroom Resources

• Teachers often buy their own classroom supplies due to budget restrictions.

• Schools may have outdated textbooks or insufficient digital devices for students.

🔸 Cooling Issues in Some Classrooms

• Some YCDSB schools do not have proper cooling systems, causing classrooms to become extremely warm during hot months.

• In these cases, Catholic School Councils (CSCs) often have to raise funds to buy fans for classrooms.

🔸 Special Education Resource Shortages

• Some students requiring one-on-one support may not receive adequate assistance due to limited Educational Assistants (EAs) or support staff.

• Parents may need to advocate for additional support to ensure their child’s needs are met.

🔸 Extracurricular Program Cuts

• Schools may limit sports teams, music programs, or field trips due to budget constraints.

• Parent-led fundraising is often needed to support school clubs and special events.

🔹 Example: A school may have funding for basic curriculum needs but not enough money for enrichment programs like robotics clubs, art supplies, or music equipment.

📌 Due to these financial constraints, many schools rely on fundraising efforts and grant applications to provide additional resources for students.

5️⃣ How Parents Can Advocate for Better School Funding

Parents play a key role in ensuring their child’s school receives adequate resources and that funding is used effectively.

📌 Ways Parents Can Advocate for School Funding:

✔ Join the Catholic School Council (CSC)

• School councils help review budgets, plan fundraising, and provide input on school spending priorities.

• Parents can advocate for funding needs at monthly meetings.

✔ Engage with School Board Trustees & Government Officials

• Trustees influence school budget decisions—parents can attend board meetings to raise concerns.

• Advocating to local MPPs and Ministry of Education representatives can help push for increased education funding.

✔ Support Fundraising & Grant Applications

• Parents can help organize community fundraisers, apply for grants, and secure business sponsorships for school programs.

• Many schools use fundraising to support technology upgrades, library improvements, and extracurricular activities.

✔ Request Transparency in Budget Decisions

• Parents should ask for a breakdown of how school funds are allocated to ensure resources are directed toward student-centered initiatives.

• If certain programs are underfunded, school councils can advocate for reallocation of funds.

📌 Tip: Schools are required to present budget details at council meetings—attending these meetings helps parents stay informed and involved.

Conclusion: Informed Parents = Stronger Schools

Understanding school board funding helps parents advocate for resources, support school initiatives, and ensure their children receive the best possible education. While school boards receive provincial funding, budget limitations often impact classroom resources, special education services, and extracurricular programs.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ School boards receive funding from the province, but allocations depend on enrollment, special education needs, and infrastructure costs.

✅ Funding covers teacher salaries, classroom materials, special education services, and school maintenance.

✅ Budget limitations often lead to shortages in technology, support staff, and cooling solutions in some schools.

✅ Parents can advocate for better funding by joining school councils, engaging with trustees, and supporting fundraising efforts.

💬 Do you have concerns about school funding? What areas do you think need more financial support? Share your thoughts in the comments!