Declining enrolment and associated revenue for the coming school year look to put the School District #83 short more than $1 million.
The school district is projecting to be down another 250 students next year, with the trend continuing for the next four or more years. Funding from the Ministry of Education is primarily allocated on a per- student basis.
Stirling Olson, secreatary-treasurer for the school district, told the board at the May 8 meeting that revenues will decline. The school district does receive funding through a protection grant, which is designed to help school districts with declining enrolment cover fixed costs within the system. However, even with the grant of $1.2 million, the school district will be short more than $1 million.
“Without this grant, the district would be down over $2.35 million,” he said.
The closure of Ashton Creek Elementary School saved approximately $400,000, and some additional savings will come from staffing reductions that result from dropping student numbers.
A full budget bylaw will be presented at the June 12 regular board meeting.