It’s budget time once again for School District 57.
A first and second reading of the 2017-18 budget will occur at this evening’s public board meeting, with a possible third reading if the vote to approve isn’t unanimous.
Board Chair Tim Bennett says the biggest challenge has been working around the restored language.
“It’s trying to balance our general operating, our special purpose, and to ensure that we’re meeting the language that is set out from the Supreme Court. That was a priority of our district is to ensure that we are compliant; it took a lot of work on our staff to make sure that we are compliant and that school is ready for September.”
School boards are required to approve their budget bylaws for the next fiscal year by June 30.
If approved, the budget will be finalized at the school board’s final meeting of the school year on June 27th.
Bennett goes on to say this is an exciting time for budget readings.
“For the first time in a number of years, the operating fund is balanced without the appropriation of prior-year surplus. This provides all existing programs and services, provides the staffing and resources needed to reopen Springwood Elementary, and ensures full compliance with the restore language.”
If you’re interested in reading the budget in detail, you can do so here.
More than 70% of the district’s overall operating budget is made up of school allocations, money that goes directly to schools and is budgeted by school principals.
Only 6% of school allocation funds go to services and supplies while 94% goes toward salaries and benefits.
Trustees will also be reviewing proposals to install new adventure playgrounds at Blackburn, Ecole Lac Des Bois and Springwood Elementary.
The proposals for Blackburn and Ecole Des Bois were recommended by the schools and their parents advisory councils.
Springwood’s playground was relocated to Heather Park Elementary when Springwood was closed in 2010.
The school district has applied to the Ministry of Education for funds to cover the capital costs of re-opening Springwood.
The cost for a new playground was included in that request.
Tonight’s meeting begins at 7PM at the school district building on Ferry Avenue.
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