The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees has given the thumbs up to the recommended plan to address the budget shortfall for the current school year 2019-2020.
After hearing advice from administration on how to manage $11 million in reduced funding and additional costs of around $6 million linked with growth in operations, the board of trustees have signed off on the recommendations.
"We are making the best possible choices for the students and families we serve, as well as our staff, although the realities of this current budget have made this significantly more challenging," said board chair, Mary Martin.
Current staffing in schools as well as administrative buildings will not be decreased at the moment, instead the shortfall will be covered largely through use of savings, increased transportation fees and other means which will be less disruptive to the district's core operations.
"We can't possibly maintain all current levels of service given our current funding. We are also aware of the impeding changes to our funding this spring and are keeping that in mind as we plan now and into the future," said Martin.
Although the board expressed some concern with the reduced funding and diminishing reserves, they were pleased that for now, classrooms will be protected as much as possible.
The Calgary Catholic School District is the largest Catholic school district in Alberta serving more than 58,000 students in 116 schools located in Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and Rocky View County. The Board of Trustees will continue to communicate with the provincial government so they can understand the district's operating realities and its need for sufficient funding to provide the high level of programming and support for CCSD students.
