Three New Grants Are Latest Improvements To Funding Formula

March 19, 2007

Ontario's students deserve an education system that is the best in the world. That's why the government is continually reviewing the funding formula so it is as effective and responsive as possible to the changing needs of students, teachers and school communities.

Improvements to our education funding formula are never “finished.” As the needs of students and communities change, the funding formula is refined on an annual basis to meet those needs.

Since taking office, the McGuinty government has worked closely with the education sector to make meaningful changes to the funding formula that help improve student achievement and promote and maintain a stable learning environment.

New Reforms This Year

The McGuinty government has made 10 significant changes to the funding formula since coming to office in 2003. Building on those improvements, the McGuinty government is further refining the funding formula this year. Three new grants have been created that will help school boards deliver improved support to Ontario 's students.

1. Program Enhancement Grant ($35 million)
   
   The new Program Enhancement Grant reflects Ontario's commitment to supporting a well-rounded education. This grant will support programs and activities such as arts, music, physical education and outdoor education. Boards may use this grant to fund or enrich existing programs or to offer new ones. The grant will be allocated to school boards through a per-school amount of $7,500. Each board will have the flexibility to decide how to use this funding to best suit its students' needs.
   
   
2. Supported Schools Allocation ($10 million)
   
   The government is introducing the Supported Schools Allocation of the Geographic Circumstances Grant to expand its school-based support for small Ontario communities where schools have low enrolment and are a significant distance from other schools of the board. This additional funding will benefit 177 schools.
   
   “Supported Schools” will receive ongoing funding for teacher staffing and school operations costs. Supported schools are defined as:
   
   • Elementary schools that are 30 kilometres or more from other elementary schools of the board
   • Secondary schools that are 60 kilometres or more from other secondary schools of the board.


Boards will receive funding for a minimum of 7.5 teachers at supported elementary schools of at least 50 students. Boards will receive funding for a minimum of 14 teachers at supported secondary schools of at least 50 students. The funding provided by this new allocation will ensure that boards can support viable and vibrant schools in small Ontario communities.


3. First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Supplement ($10.5 million)
   
   To support the goal of improved achievement for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, the government is introducing a new $10.5 million grant. This will help boards offer and expand Native Language and Native Studies courses, and support programs that assist aboriginal students.
   

Other Changes

In addition to the three new grants, the government's new investment in 2007-08 also includes:

• Support for 1,900 new teachers
• A three per cent salary increase negotiated in the labour framework
• Increased funding for special education
• Increased funding to recognize the rising costs of transportation and utilities
• Additional support for French-language boards.

See also:

• News Release: McGuinty Government Announces Significant New Funding For Ontario Students
• Backgrounder: Ten Improvements To The Funding Formula Since 2003