School board to reinvest surplus in area schools

News Release
RRDSB

(January 5, 2010) – The Rainy River District School Board approved the audited Financial Statements for 2008-2009 at the Board Meeting held on Tuesday, January 5, 2010. The Board is pleased to announce a $2.7 million surplus for 2008-2009, and will reinvest $2.5 million from reserves that will be immediately directed to support schools and student learning.
The Board is especially pleased with the $1 million reinvestment in SMART technology that will provide a greater number of technology-enhanced classrooms to create new opportunities in teaching and learning. This technology engages students, and allows teachers to create powerful interactive learning experiences. With this increased funding, SMART technology will be available in every one of the Board’s regular classrooms.
To improve student achievement, funds will be allocated to teacher coaching at the elementary and secondary levels to augment professional development, and to align assessment and evaluation practices. A Student Achievement Teacher Coach will be appointed to work closely with the elementary literacy and numeracy coordinators and Student Achievement Teachers. Secondary Curriculum Coaches will be established to initiate a program that implements Differentiated Instruction across all subject areas to respond to the needs of diverse learners. Additional Assistive Technology Special Education Resource Teacher support will be provided at the elementary and secondary levels to assist students in achieving their full potential to learn through sustained independence. The Board will continue to build on the support for Native Language by directing funds to hire an Aboriginal Immersion Lead who will support the immersion classes currently in place at Mine Centre School, and will work to include local Aboriginal language, histories and culture within the curriculum at all levels. In support of schools, an Internal Audit Assistant will be hired to implement school fund initiatives, such as moving schools to a cashless environment.
Chair Dan Belluz commented, “I am pleased that the Board is able to approve the reinvestment plan for student achievement. Thank you to administration for good fiscal management that resulted in us approving supports that have been identified as needs through data analysis and research. I look forward to seeing the results of this reinvestment in our schools.”
“As Trustee, I am very pleased that the Rainy River District School Board is in good financial standing, and is able to reinvest some of the monies into project areas for student achievement that administration has identified as needs in our system. I would like to congratulate Laura Mills and Meghan Haehn on a job well done for the August 31, 2009 Financial Statements,” said Glenda Belluz, Chair of Finance Committee.
Judy Eluik, Vice Chair stated, “The work of the Finance Committee with administration over the years has resulted in a positive financial position for the Board. The reinvestment from reserves for initiatives promoting student achievement will benefit both staff and students over the next three years.”
Financial Statements for the year ending as of August 31, 2009 will be available for the communities to view at www.rrdsb.com.