Division News Article

$2.2M deficit projected in budget update

January 17th, 2020

At their January 15th meeting, the board approved the updated 2019-2020 budget for Pembina Hills, projecting a deficit of $2.2 million. The Alberta Distance Learning Centre is projecting a deficit of $165,000.

The Pembina Hills deficit is a result of reduced education funding and unprecedented increases in insurance premiums. While the school division had earlier planned to draw down reserves in 2019-2020, the draw-down rate will be accelerated. As a result, it is estimated that the division will be left with reserves of 3% of operating expenses.

Results for coded students significantly higher than the province

As part of the Student Services Assurance Report to the board, Director Rob McGarva reported that the graduation rate for Pembina Hills students with Alberta Education special education codes is 75% versus 68% for the province. Provincial Achievement Test acceptable results are 55% versus 47% for the province.

School Board approves community consultation process for Electoral Ward Review

Over the next four weeks, trustees will be consulting with the public, as part of local school council meetings, to review the current electoral ward structure to ensure that it effectively represents community and school populations.

Three (3) options have been put forward by the board. Members of the public are invited to participate in an online survey to indicate the option they support and what the school board should keep in mind as they make their decision.

Please attend a school council meeting to learn more. Visit the Electoral Ward Review page for full details, including school council meeting dates and a link to complete the survey before February 10, 2020.

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

The next school board meeting is at Regional Office on Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 starting at 9:00 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend.