There is no provision in the new funding model for small schools. In the past, the Board had the flexibility in its overall budget to make allowances for the small school situation, and also had the power to raise additional revenue through municipal taxes. The current funding model does not provide adequate funding to maintain small schools.
Funding is provided on a per pupil basis to school boards.
Because our elementary schools have the capacity to hold 6,342 more elementary school students than are currently enrolled in the system, no funding is provided to maintain the vacant space in our schools. Funds to maintain operations in small schools must be diverted from other areas of the Board's operating budget. This means no funds are available for new construction in communities where schools are overcrowded. The Toronto Catholic District School Board currently operates 59 elementary schools that have enrolments below 250. The funding model provides funding for one principal for every 364 students.