Pat Daley

And of what we know, it's a deep concern because it's insufficient to cover our costs," said Pat Daley, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board chair.

Daley said $420 million will boost grants about 2.4 per cent, but much of this is to be spent on provincial programs like improving standardized test scores and shrinking class sizes.

He said it won't help boards cover existing costs.

The Catholic board will remain in a "serious position" and may run a deficit for the first time in 10 to 12 years, unless funds keep pace with rising salaries and utility costs, he said.

10 - Pat Daley - Chair, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board