The Greater Essex County District School Board is in a better financial position this year than what was projected.
The 2016-2017 budget originally projected a $3.75-million deficit, but the board now estimates the deficit will be closer to $1.5-million.
Director of Education Erin Kelly says they have around 500 more students than originally projected.
"There have been some staff reductions due to retirements and also there's been an increase in the number of students, which of course helps with our funding, and as a result we've had to increase staff, but we're still in a better position," says Kelly.
The board was also able to negotiate a remedy with custodians on post-retirement benefits that is saving them $1.4-million annually.
"We've been allowed to extend to amortization period of the remaining liability for all employees who retired before a certain date and retain benefits for life," says Superintendent of Business Cathy Lynd. "We would have had to add $1.4-million a year to our budget for compliance purposes to effectively fund this unfunded liability. By extending the period longer, it reduces the yearly expense."
Kelly says they still have many budget pressures that they will continue to address as they start the process for the 2017-2018 budget.
