Operating deficit better than expected
Clearview School Division reported a final operating deficit of $611,630 for the 2016-2017 school year, down from the planned $1,595,628 deficit.
In a detailed report at the Nov. 30 regular board meeting, Associate Superintendent, Peter Neale clarified the financial results of the previous year
The positive financial results ensued from unspent dollars in schools, an adjustment in the cost for staffing, unspent dollars in inclusive education due to a decrease in early learning student enrolments, not needing to dip into contingency resources, and not proceeding with a planned infrastructure investment for the Stettler Complex.
The dollars not spent in 2016-17 will provide an increase in instruction and school budgets for 2017-18.
2017-18 Final Budget approved
With a projected in-year deficit for all budgets of $1,792,122, Clearview trustees approved the final 2017-18 budget.
Even with reductions in overall funding, the school division remains committed to providing the very best supports for Clearview students.
Staff and expenditures were increased from the spring projections due to more dollars available at the end of 2016-17.
Inclusive education update
Grant Gosse, Director of Inclusive Learning provided trustees with an inclusive education report for the past year.
According to the report, in order to support the learning needs of all students in every school, Clearview will need to continue to provide specially designed programming and instruction to meet individual needs and the supports and resources to ensure optimal programming.
Much their work last year included supports for Early Learning (Start Right and Kindergarten), ESL (English Second Language) learners, First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) students, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.
Clearview is also committed to furnishing the most appropriate support for teachers to meet the needs of the diverse learners in their classrooms, targeted professional development opportunities for administrators and teachers and specialized training for educational assistants.
In accordance with Clearview’s motto, “We All Belong – We All Succeed”, all students in the division’s 23 schools, regardless of background or ability, will have an opportunity to develop the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to live up to their full potential.
Linda Stillinger
ECA Review
