The Government of Alberta announced its 2015 budget on Thursday, March 26th. The Board of Trustees reviewed the impact of the budget on students and staff and identified a number of critical concerns.
In 2014-2015 the Board’s operating deficit is projected to be 2.6 million. As a result of the funding cuts WRPS is projecting a 3.87 million dollar budget deficit for 2015-2016 school year. Our 2015-2016 budget problem became more devastating when we were informed that we are unable to access our reserves without the express approval of the Minister. The Minister directed that school boards must submit balanced budgets. The Board must, therefore, cut $3.87 million dollars from the budget. To lessen the negative impact on students the Board must use its accumulated surplus to submit a balance budget.
The Provincial Budget, however, stripped school boards of their authority to manage their accumulated surplus. “As locally elected officials, we work hard to be fiscally responsible and accountable to our communities. The Board needs the flexibility to manage that surplus to protect students and classrooms from the ups and downs in the economy. Due to the imposed funding cuts and the freezing of school surpluses, students in our classrooms are now at risk of losing programs, supports and services,” stated Deanna Specht, Board Chair.
View: 2015-2016 Budget Reduction in WRPS Media Release
View: Letter to Parents 2015-2016 Budget Reductions in WRPS