FCSS-FESC Statement on Growing Deficits & Depleting Reserves in Ontario School Boards

TORONTO, ON — Internal Ontario Ministry of Education documents reveal clear fiscal mismanagement with 31 school boards that are reporting financial deficits and are using reserve funds to cover operational costs.

FCSS-FESC is disappointed that 31 boards: more than 40% of all school boards in Ontario have accumulated deficits totaling $200 million. To effectively serve the future students of Ontario, it is crucial to not only provide adequate funding for education, but also implement strategic financial management within individual school boards to ensure long-term sustainability. 

FCSS-FESC calls on Ontario school boards to review budgets to prioritise the current needs of students along with future stability. Along with this, school boards should be firm in promoting transparency and comprehensive financial oversight with their budgets to safeguard fiscal futures, and ultimately the future of education for generations to come.

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Founded in 2012, the Federation of Canadian Secondary Students / Fédération des élèves du secondaire au Canada (FCSS-FESC) is an entirely non-partisan youth-led charity that strives to advocate for students in secondary schools and CÉGEPs across Canada. 

Media Contact: Hayden Lai, Chief Communications Officer

hayden.lai@fcss-fesc.ca  / +1 (289) 408-8600 ext. 104