Education Remains a Priority in Provincial Budget

TORONTO, March 27, 2012 /CNW/ - The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) views today's budget announcement regarding education funding as a commitment to maintaining the government's current education strategy. The announcement also reflects bold decisions to address current economic realities.

"Today's budget announcement responds to the serious economic pressures affecting life in Ontario today. It also confirms that for this government, education remains a priority," said Nancy Kirby, President of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association.

"We recognize that the government has taken steps to address budget constraints with as little disruption to the classroom as possible and that is encouraging."

School board amalgamations and consolidation of under-utilized schools will be challenging issues for the communities affected. As the Association representing the interests of Catholic school boards, OCSTA will want to be part of the process to protect education programs in Catholic schools affected by any proposed amalgamations.

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.

Sharon McMillan, 416-932-9460 Ext. 232