Media Releases

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

BOARD PASSES DIFFICULT BUDGET

The Board of Trustees approved a budget of $823 million for the 2010-2011 school year at their regularly scheduled meeting last night. The budget is $12 million lower than the budget for the current school year. In order to reach a balanced budget for next year, it was necessary for the District to draw on $22.3 million of its operating reserves and to reduce its staffing levels.

"This is a difficult budget, which reflects the challenging fiscal realities we are facing," says Board Chair Don Fleming. "We have attempted to strike a balance between two pressing requirements: our commitment to continue to provide our communities with the highest levels of service and staff, and the need for us to be fiscally responsible."

Although it is too early to say exactly how many positions will be reduced, what is certain is that there will be fewer teachers in district classrooms next year. Initial projections suggest that the District will see reductions of over 100 teaching positions.

Once students arrive in the fall and enrolments are confirmed, staffing numbers will be finalized. In its planning for next year, the District is committed to meeting student needs, preserving staff and programs, and minimizing the impact on the classroom.

"We will continue to do our very best to retain as many staff as possible," says Fleming. "In this budget, the Board has drawn heavily on our operating reserves to minimize staff reductions," says Fleming. "Without additional funding from the Provincial Government, the 2011-2012 budget will be even more difficult."

Further information:
Cheryl Oxford
Managing Director of Communications
780-429-8043 (Office)
780-937-7859 (Cellular)