2010/11 Budget Recommendations
Amidst difficult financial constraints and the challenge of declining enrolment, the Delta School District will submit a balanced budget for the 2010/11 school year. While cuts are proposed in all aspects of the organization, the district remains committed to providing the best possible learning environments and placing the learning needs of all students first.
The District is currently facing a budget shortfall of approximately $4.0 million for the 2010/11 school year. The shortfall is the result of a number of factors. The Delta School District student population is projected to decline an additional 127 students this year which reduces funds received from the Ministry of Education for school operations.
The District is also required to provide for the increases in teachers’ pension plan and other benefits which are not fully funded by the Province. These factors have contributed to greater financial and educational pressures, which subsequently challenge operations for the School District.
As a result of the shortfall, the Delta School District is proposing to cut costs and increase revenues to balance the budget in the amount of $3.1 million and utilize $.9 million from the District’s reserve. These cuts are in addition to the previous two years’ reductions of $7.9 million.
The District will aim to minimize the impact on the classroom as a result of the proposed budget reductions, however a decrease in special needs support and a reduction in classroom school supply and learning resources is unavoidable.
Clerical, custodial, and administration staff will be also be reduced resulting in the decrease of 33.02 full-time positions, including 15.75 teachers, 15.67 support staff and 1.60 administration.
The Delta School District will continue to be proactive in seeking out ways to reduce costs while pursuing new partnerships and exploring options to increase enrolment through specialty programs and international initiatives.
“We recognize the challenges facing us,” says Garnet Ayers, Superintendent. “Despite these challenges, we must remain optimistic and be creative in our approach to learning in order to ensure we deliver the best possible learning experiences for our students. Our priority is and will remain focused on placing their needs first.”
“We recognize that there is a systemic problem in education”, says Dale Saip, Board Chairperson. “It is important now more than ever that we remain innovative in our approach to learning and continue to actively work with our community and the Ministry of Education to bring forward new ideas on the business of education.”
The next public meeting for budget consultation will be held on April 20, 2010 at the Delta School Board Office at 7:30 P.M. Attendance is encouraged.
Click here to download the 2010/11 budget recommendations.