Latest news with #PatDaly


Hamilton Spectator
21-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton's Catholic school board approves $467M budget for 2025-26
When Pat Daly took helm in 1991, Hamilton's Catholic school board was running a 'significant' deficit. 'Dramatic' cuts were made to financially stabilize the organization, and the board committed to do everything in their power to not let it happen again, the outgoing chair told trustees on Tuesday evening. The board approved a balanced operating budget of $466,963,201, with a small surplus, at its June 17 committee of the whole meeting, Daly's last after 40 years as trustee. Trustees commended finance staff, who faced challenges in delivering a budget this year due to the delayed allocation of core education funding — the board's primary source — as a result of the provincial election. The 2025-26 estimate is up about 2.4 per cent over the previous year, and leaves a surplus of $11,471. The budget is based on six 'pillars,' including excellence, dignity, good stewardship, faith formation and mental health, according to the report. By far the largest expense is salaries and wages for staff, accounting for 71 per cent of the budget. These are the board's top operational expenses: Not included in this list is amortization at about $24 million. A growing number of students is expected to learn at Hamilton's Catholic schools next year, with the board estimating an enrolment of about 31,336 students, up about 502 students from the previous year. The majority of the growth is at high schools, which will grow by about 312 students, or a 2.9 per cent bump. Meanwhile, at the public board, secondary enrolment is expected to decrease slightly. To support students, the Catholic board is adding about 19 full-time positions. In 2025-26, staff is estimated to cost: Positions added this year include an Applied Behavior Analysis facilitator, two elementary math facilitators, 1.5 secondary math facilitators and an elementary special-education teacher, among others. Additions are 'really good news,' Daly said. The board also approved a capital budget of about $26.7 million to renovate and build new schools and improve the condition of existing buildings. A small percentage of this budget is allocated to 'tangible' assets, like student devices and technology upgrades in schools. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board approved a 2025-26 budget of $751 million on Monday. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Hamilton Spectator
20-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
No gavel needed: Pat Daly steps down after four decades on Catholic board
It took several prompts and iterations for Catholic trustees , with the help of ChatGPT, to create the perfect parting prayer for Pat Daly . A lot has changed in three decades, but the chair seat hasn't. Now, after 34 years, Daly, who has helmed the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board since 1991, is stepping down. 'Through tireless days and steadfast years, he served with faith, with hopes and fears,' trustees read in unison from the text brought by trustee Mark Valvasori. 'A shepherd strong, with heart and soul, committed to the common goal.' Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board chair Pat Daly is stepping down after 34 years. It's the end of an era for the board — and for Daly, whose 40-year run as Ward 7 representative comes to an end on Friday. He was first elected in 1985, replacing his father on the board after the elder Daly's death. Daly was elected to the top job several years later, and is believed to be the longest-running chair in the province's history. 'It seems like yesterday,' Daly said following his final board meeting on Tuesday evening, at which trustees bid him a heartfelt farewell. 'Your hard work, insight and integrity have left a lasting mark,' said Ward 10 trustee Mary Nardini, who has worked with Daly for more than 20 years. 'You'll be missed, but we know you'll continue to make a difference wherever you go.' Longtime Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board chair Pat Daly at his final board meeting on June 17, 2025. At 67, Daly has accepted the top job at the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) after the current executive director announced plans to retire. Daly has a long history with the organization, including eight years as its president. He starts on Monday. A round of applause erupted in the Mulberry Street boardroom, and trustees presented Daly with an award. 'Whatever small contribution I've made, it's only as a result of the friendship, the partnership … of the men and women around this board,' he said. 'We have done amazing things.' And he's never once had to use his gavel to maintain order, he said, raising it to demonstrate. It's still unclear how his vacant Ward 7 seat will be filled. Historically, the board has opted to appoint a trustee — the cheaper option — over holding a byelection, Daly said. The last municipal vacancy — Ward 4 at the public board — was filled via a byelection in January with a little more than two years until the next election, which is set for October 2026. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Clare councillors back calls for Ennis hospital – ‘If you have a heart attack, you're not going to make it to Limerick in time'
Today at 02:22 A motion put forward by a group of Fianna Fáil Clare county councillors detailing the need for a Model 3 or 4 hospital in Ennis has been passed. At the June meeting of the Clare County Council, councillors Joe Killeen, Pat Daly, Tom O'Callaghan, Michael Shannon, and Shane Talty argued that any hospital being built in the Mid-West should be built in Clare, ideally in Ennis.


Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Limerick set to host Pride of Place 2025 Awards celebrating the ‘heart and soul of our communities'
The event will take place at the Strand Hotel in Limerick on Friday, November 7, 2025, with hundreds of delegates from across the country set to attend. The prestigious annual awards, now in their 23rd year, were officially launched this Wednesday at King John's Castle. Organised by the peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the awards recognise outstanding efforts in community development. Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: 'It's a real honour for Limerick to host this year's Pride of Place awards. These awards are a celebration that really reflects the heart and soul of our communities.' 'The people of Ireland take a huge sense of pride in the areas we call home,' he continued. 'The spirit of collaboration and care is deeply rooted here, so Limerick is a fitting place for this national event.' Dr Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, added: 'These awards are a celebration of community spirit, resilience and collaboration,' he said. 'Hosting the awards marks our commitment in Limerick City and County Council to inclusion, civic pride and empowering local people.' Co-operation Ireland was founded in 1979 by Dr Brendan O'Regan, a key figure in the Mid-West region, to build cross-border relationships. Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, emphasised the lasting impact of the awards. 'The IPB Pride of Place Awards are our opportunity to celebrate and recognise incredible communities across the island of Ireland,' he said. 'The awards speak to what Co-operation Ireland is all about – bridging communities and building peace and prosperity.' Tom Dowling, Chairman of the IPB Pride of Place, added: 'The purpose of these awards is to meaningfully acknowledge and celebrate the work of our incredible communities. Our judges are looking forward to another year of inspirational judging experiences.' The awards are open to community groups nominated by their local authorities and celebrate voluntary work that enhances towns, villages, and neighbourhoods across Ireland.


Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton-area Today: High cost of vandalism + Homeless in St. Joe's emergency + New community sport venue
G ood morning! It's June 6, here are the top stories today in the Hamilton area. Cloudy then hazy with a special air quality statement in effect for the Hamilton area. Environment Canada says we will see a high of 22 C today. Expect clouds to clear in the afternoon, hopefully leading to a little sunshine. Wildfire smoke is lowering Hamilton's air quality to a level of 4, which is a moderate risk . A statement was issued by the national weather service Thursday afternoon and is expected to continue to Friday morning. Find the latest provincial road closures and traffic incidents via Ontario 511 . Taking transit today? Find the latest GO Transit service updates here . The latest information on local bus services are available here: Hamilton , Burlington and Oakville . Chair Pat Daly estimates vandalism causes hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage each year. During the busiest winter stretches, two homeless patients were being discharged to the street every hour from the hospital. Officers have spent months searching Glanbrook landfill for missing woman in a complex, resource-heavy investigation Johnston went to Westdale Secondary School and took philosophy at Trent University in Peterborough. He said it took him seven years to get his degree 'but I did finish it.' Queen Street North building will soon be home to Steeltown Athletic Club. Here are local spots where you can celebrate with a doughnut. Concession Streetfest, a Forge FC game and a re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek are all happening this weekend. Subscribe to our newsletters for the latest local content . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .