Budget Reflects Financial Commitment to Education

TORONTO, May 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Infrastructure, student nutrition programs, public sector compensation, pension plan costs and child care worker salaries were among the key topics in today's budget announcement of particular interest to Ontario's Catholic school boards.

"We recognize there are tremendous economic pressures shaping today's budget announcement that will create some challenges for school boards.  We also recognize in the figures presented, the government's ongoing financial commitment to the K-12 education sector and that is encouraging," explained Kathy Burtnik, OCSTA President.

For many years OCSTA has advocated for increased funding in those areas that will help Ontario students to be better prepared for 21^st century learning. Today's announcement confirms that the government will invest $150 million in technology and learning tools over the next three years.

"The government is listening to our concerns in areas like technology and we look forward to continued dialogue and consultations with the province and education partners to ensure the experience and insight of Ontario's Catholic school trustees are fully utilized for the benefit of all students," said Ms. Burtnik.

The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association is the provincial voice for publicly funded Catholic education.  Founded in 1930, OCSTA represents the interests of Catholic school boards that collectively educate approximately 600,000 students in Ontario, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

SOURCE: Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association

Or to arrange an interview, please contact: Sharon McMillan, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations, Tel: [phone], ext. 232 / cell: [phone] / E-mail: [email protected], www.ocsta.on.ca