Blockbuster budget for HWDSB

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board has approved expenditures of nearly $500 million in 2010/21011 – roughly three times the cost to produce a Hollywood movie.

The movie production cost analogy was made by superintendent of business and treasurer, Don Grant, at Monday's HWDSB Special Committee of the Whole Meeting, to drive home the message that the board's expenditures will have far more positive impacts on the lives of its 50,000 students and their families than would a 120-minute Hollywood film.

“The big idea in tonight's budget is really communicated by the board's strategic directions,” said Grant, noting that the $486,578,516 operating budget for 2010/2011 will fund the board's mission to enable each of its students to become lifelong learners and contributing citizens in today's diverse society.

“Our vision is all students achieving their full potential. Consequently, I suggest to you that this vision is the big idea that has been carefully interwoven into the development of the 2010/2011 budget,” noted the superintendent.

Starting in September, more than 48,000 students will attend one of the board's 95 elementary and 18 secondary schools. The Ministry of Education helps fund school boards based on their projected enrolment and the board's needs.