May 22, 2019 Board Meeting News

May 24th, 2019

Regional Office, Barrhead –

Fall release of provincial budget forces school board to make assumptions

The school board discussed some of the assumptions they will need to make in order to develop their 2019-20 budget, including the following monies that may not be provided in the coming year:

  • The Classroom Improvement Fund (CIF) expires August 31, 2019. Pembina Hills currently receives $844,000 in CIF funding which is used to provide supports for our students with the highest needs. Assuming this will not be reinstated, the school board has agreed to pull $307,000 from reserves to make up for some of the shortfall. Schools will need to come up with the remaining $537,000. If the provincial budget does not reinstate this funding, or increase inclusive education funding to reflect the need, there will be a $1.5 million shortfall between funding and the supports required for our students with the highest needs.
  • The School Fee Reduction Grant provides $400,000 per year to Pembina Hills and was introduced in 2017 when the province passed legislation to eliminate student instructional fees. This grant was designed to offset the loss of revenue to school boards. Prior to 2017, the division charged student instructional fees of $60 for Kindergarten, $70 for Elementary, $110-$140 for Junior/Senior High, or a family rate of $300. If the School Fee Reduction Grant is eliminated, the school board will consider the possibility of reinstating instructional fees.

The school board will consider adopting the budget at their June 26 meeting.

Did you know…

Rock the Diploma weekend sessions are being offered at Barrhead Composite and R.F. Staples in June. Students can take part in interactive and strategic classes focused on preparing them to write diploma exams. Sessions are $90 each and students can register at their school office.

Read full details in the meeting minutes.

The next school board meeting is at Fort Assiniboine SchoolHome of the Bears — on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 starting at 9:30 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend.