Separate board reacts to funding with cautious optimism

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is reacting with cautious optimism to the announcement that the province is putting an additional $309 million into education funding over the next two years. Dufferin- Peel's portion of these funds is reported to be up to $7 million.

"This looks like a good news announcement for Dufferin-Peel students," said board chair Bruno Iannicca, "but until we see the details on how the funds are to be allocated, we are reacting with a measure of cautious optimism."

"We have said for years that a significant funding shortfall has adversely affected us, as well as other school boards. The funds related to today's announcement, hopefully, will narrow this funding gap and allow us to better meet the needs of our students. I would acknowledge that the government appears to have heard the concerns of our community and has responded on behalf of our kids."

Dufferin-Peel is one of the largest school boards in the province with 89,000 students in 141 schools located in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With more than 10,000 faculty and staff, Dufferin-Peel is also one of the largest employers in the region. It is the goal of the board to provide quality education to students in a setting which fosters Catholic values and beliefs.