The Prairie 麻豆传媒AV School Division Board of Education passed one of its most challenging operational budgets for the 2017-2018 academic year at their regular meeting in Moose Jaw on May 1.
According to Dr. Shawn Davidson, board chair of the Prairie School school board, they were not the only division to be hit hard by the provincial budget presented on March 22 by Finance Minister Kevin Doherty.
鈥淎ll of the divisions around the province were cut, based on the reality that the provincial budget is $55 million less than last year,鈥� said Davidson.
Prairie 麻豆传媒AV school division is losing millions from the provincial government compared to last year and also is affected by inflation and price hikes.
鈥淲e have about $1 million in inflationary pressures and on top of that a $3.5 million reduction in funding from province,鈥� Davidson added. 鈥淭his was the most challenging budget for the Board in recent years, and was made more complex because it was the second year in a row of reduced provincial funding despite experiencing enrolment growth.鈥�
The board understands that the public will not be happy with the cuts but that the board 鈥渉ad to look in every dusty corner鈥� for funds and weigh every expenditure.
鈥淲e are responding to the hand that we鈥檝e been dealt. You don鈥檛 pull $4.5 million out of thin air,鈥� said Davidson. Still, he expressed hope for the upcoming year.
The division is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative in the province. 鈥淲e have amazing staff, and we are doing great things for children and families in our schools. I know our staff will use the resources we have been provided carefully.鈥�
