June 23, 2010: Trustees approved a $747 million budget last night that used reserve funds to compensate for a projected shortfall in provincial funding for full-day kindergarten, while adding more money for primary literacy programs.

"We are disappointed that the province's formula for funding this excellent program left us $827,280 short of what we really need at this point in time," said Board Chair Terry Roberts, Trustee for London Wards 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13.

Trustees voted to have Roberts write a letter to Education Minister Leona Dombrowsky to express concern over the funding formula and request that the program receive full financing in the years ahead.

Trustees also approved an additional $300,000 for literacy programs for younger students, specifically between Junior Kindergarten and Grade 3.

"Literacy is our highest priority," said Laura Elliott, Executive Superintendent, Program Services. "Building literacy skills in the early years prepares students for more advanced learning in later grades and in life."

Trustees also approved funding for videostreaming public board meetings on the TVDSB website. [Note: This press release does not say how much was budgeted for this videostreaming of meetings, nor does it provide a direct link to the actual TVDSB budget.]