The Toronto District School Board’s Renewal Needs Backlog (RNB) list identifies 22,686 different repairs needed in our 583 schools. The total value of those repairs is approximately $3.7 billion as of  September 2017.

This amount represents the RNB as of July 2017, plus the amount needed to repair building components in the new school year, resulting in a higher backlog. For example, as of August 31, 2017, the backlog was $3.1 billion, but if we add the $600 million needed for repairs in the 2017-2018 school year, this amount increases to $3.7 billion.

It is important to understand that these repairs do not represent a health or safety concern. Safety is a top priority for us at the TDSB and our maintenance plans are always focused on providing safe places for our students and staff. In order to do that, we fix the most critical problems related to health and safety first. Also, while components in a school building may be past their life expectancy (e.g. water boiler), they are in good condition and meet all required safety codes.

For the 2017-2018 school year, the TDSB received $297 million in provincial funding.  From this amount, $50 million should be used to replace energy efficient building components. The remaining $247 million should be used to replace/repair building components identified during the schools inspection, helping reduce the FCI of school buildings.

Key Facts

• Building components that need to be repaired or replaced do not represent a health or safety concern for our students or staff. 
• Even with the additional renewal funds provided by the Ministry of Education over the last few years, our renewal needs backlog sits at approximately $3.7 billion as of September 2017 and continues to rise. 
• Approximately 50 per cent of our schools are over 60 years old and building components continue to age requiring major repairs or replacement. 
• Unlike most other Ontario school boards, the TDSB does not qualify for Educational Development Charges (EDCs) because there is surplus space across the system, which puts the TDSB at a disadvantage. 
• With access to EDCs for school repairs, millions of dollars in needed revenue could be used to accelerate school repairs and renovations and reduce the backlog.

Learn more about Facility Condition Index (FCI) ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does the RNB keep increasing?

The Ministry of Education hires external consultants to inspect each school every five years. That means that 20 per cent of our schools are inspected every year. As part of this assessment, components that need to be repaired or replaced are identified.

At the start of the fiscal or school year (September 1st), the TDSB adds the cost of all repairs/replacements identified by the Ministry to its RNB, resulting in a higher value.  

Approximately 50 per cent of our schools are over 60 years old and building components continue to age requiring major repairs or replacement. The provincial funding that the TDSB receives is not sufficient; therefore, the backlog continues to grow. 

Funding

School Year           Provincial Grant                 Backlog (as of September)

2017-2018             $297 million                        $3.7 billion

2016-2017             $308 million                        $3.5 billion

2015-2016             $276 million                        $3.4 billion

2014-2015             $74.8 million                       $2.9 billion

2013-2014             $62.2 million                       $3.1 billion 

2012-2013             $63.1 million                       $3.1 billion

2011-2012             $58.7 million                       $3.0 billion

What are the 22,686 different repairs identified in the RNB list?

Every five years, an independent inspector hired by the Ministry of Education assesses the status of each school based on a standard list of major building components. This list includes components such as roofing, heating systems, floor finishes, fencing, windows, parking lots, ceiling finishes, foundations, windows and building automation systems.

In addition, the TDSB compiles a RNB list for each of its 583 schools. To find the list for your school, please visit our Find Your School page.

Does the provincial funding for the 2017-2018 school year include money for air conditioning?

The provincial funding for the current school year includes $50 million for the replacement of new energy efficient building components such as LED lights, high efficiency heating systems, insulated roofs, energy efficient windows, doors and skylights.

It also includes $247 for the replacement/repair of building components identified during the Ministry’s inspections such as foundations, roofs and windows.

The funding does not include an amount for additional air conditioning units.

Learn more about the Ministry’s announcement.

Besides provincial funding, which other sources the TDSB has available for repairs?

TDSB’s main source of funding is from the provincial government. In addition, when the Board sells a parcel of land or building, it can use that money for repairs. 

Unlike most other Ontario school boards, the TDSB does not qualify for Educational Development Charges (EDCs) because there is surplus space across the system, which puts the TDSB at a disadvantage.  The TDSB keeps advocating for the Ontario Government to amend the Education Development Charges (EDCs) regulation (20/98) to allow the TDSB to collect EDCs to help support urgent school infrastructure needs and reduce overcrowding in high-growth areas of the city. Revenues from EDCs would help reduce both the FCI and RNB.