By Damali Nabagereka
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board trustees say the province’s delay in releasing funding information for 1998-99 could mean a rocky start next school year.
Board Chair Lynn Scott says the lack of information will delay the budget process.
“We want to know how much the shortfall will be,” Scott says. “The later the information, the harder it becomes to consult the community.”
The Ministry of Education released details of this year’s funding—including a $4-million shortfall—to the board on Jan. 16. The ministry gave no information about the next school year.
The 1998-99 funding information is to be released this month.
Scott says she urged the ministry to release the information earlier so the board could begin budgeting for the year. She says she expects the amalgamated board will get less money than the former Ottawa and Carleton school boards.
Somerset Ward trustee Albert Chambers agrees.
“Until we see the numbers, we have to assume that there will be schools and programs threatened,” says Chambers.
Scott says the budgeting process will also be delayed because the new board is still determining its needs and priorities.
“The way we manage some of the programs could change,” she says. “Some things that are nice might have to go. That is why we need to know as soon as possible so the transition can be a smooth one.”
Ministry official David Schoular says the ministry is developing a completely new, simpler funding model.
“It’s taking time to totally revamp the old model, that’s all,” says Schoular.
But Chambers says he finds it disturbing the government hasn’t released the information after promising to for over a year. He worries the formula will now be given to the board as a “fait accompli” which will give it virtually no opportunity to consult and make changes.
“The delay will not lead to a clear understanding of the formula before implementation,” he says.