Regional Office –

2021-2022 Budget Approved

At the May 26th meeting, Treasurer Tracy Leigh presented the upcoming school year budget. The board adopted the 2021-2022 Operating Budget with revenues of $63.9 million and expenses of $64.8 million. By the end of August 2022, the division’s accumulated operating surplus is projected to be $4.4 million (6.83% of budget expenses).

Highlights from the budget include:

• Staffing increases:
  • 5 FTE for Certificated staff (2.2%)
  • 10 FTE for Uncertificated staff (3.2%)
• Average teacher cost increase of $4,200 (From $105,500 to $109,700)
• ASEBP premium rate increase of 7.85%
• Additional learning supports of approximately $500K
  • 2.0 FTE Behavior Specialists
  • 2.0 FTE Speech Language Pathologists
  • 0.5 FTE Occupational Therapist
  • 1.0 FTE SLP Aide

The 2021-2022 budget includes the use of $733,000 in operating reserves and was created under the assumption that students will return to school this fall without additional public health protocols and measures. The budget also includes an expected enrolment increase of 2.6% or 145 full time students.

See the full budget overview here.

Board Approves 2021-2024 Education Plan

Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Mark Thiesen presented the Three-Year Education Plan for 2021-2024 which highlights strategies to improve student learning and results over a rolling three year plan. The Education Plan is reviewed and revised annually. It describes the Pembina Hills context, the planning process including stakeholder engagement, plus the priorities, outcomes and strategies.

The document references a set of measures that are updated regularly, as data is released. The measures, Ed Plan, the previous AERR and financial documents continue to be located on the division website at www.pembinahills.ca/assurance-reporting/.

Thiesen thanked those who responded to surveys, participated in discussions, or provided feedback in other ways. Pembina Hills is guided by feedback, the data collected and the estimation of future needs to focus resources on strategies that impact our three priorities:

• Student-Staff Relationships – Positive relationships between students and staff are the foundation upon which we build students’ resilience, confidence and mental well-being.
• Literacy and Numeracy – Literacy and Numeracy are critical for Student Achievement in all areas of the curriculum.
• Support for Staff – A collaborative environment enables staff to teach a diverse student population through purposeful inclusion and supports the implementation of effective practices.

Check out the board meeting agenda and minutes for more information.

The next school board meeting is at the Regional Office on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 starting at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public are invited to view a livestream of the meeting on our website.