TDSB to restore 99 positions previously eliminated in $3.4 billion budget

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has approved a $3.4 billion budget for the next school year.

Trustees say the budget will see 99 positions restored that were eliminated after the province’s COVID-19 funding was discontinued. These included social workers, child and youth counsellors, school-based safety monitors, and elementary and secondary vice-principals.

The board says the addition of these positions will cost $10.4 million.

The board says it has identified a number of “cost-saving measures” within the budget, including reducing central staffing and department budgets. Even with that, the 2023-24 operating budget includes a projected deficit of $15.1 million – which it is allowed to have as part of an approved three-year deficit recovery plan.

The TDSB says over the past three years, they were forced to take $69 million from its reserve fund in order to support the continuation of learning and the safety of students and staff during the pandemic. As a result, there are limited reserves left to offset any future operating shortfalls.

“As Trustees, we have advocated tirelessly this year for the resources and supports required to meet the unique needs of the students of Toronto. Looking ahead, we will continue this important work until the funding provided by the provincial government reflects the actual cost of supporting the academic success, well-being and safety of our students,” said TDSB chair Rachel Chernos.