While some school divisions in Saskatchewan have resorted to cutting teachers and other staff to balance their budgets, Living Sky School Division has announced it has not gone this route.
The board of education for Living Sky School Division recently approved its 2016‐17 budget.
In a press release, the division says, "Although our school division received less money from the province in this spring’s budget, the division budget does not include staffing reductions to address this shortfall. Spending reductions as well as the use of reserve funding has allowed the board to set a balanced budget for 2016‐17."
The release points out a number of school divisions across Saskatchewan have recently announced various spending reductions in order to achieve a balanced budget for 2016‐17. In some cases, these reductions have meant the elimination of staff positions, such as teachers or educational assistants, as well as central office personnel.
While Living Sky has not cut any positions, the release states, "The board recognizes, however, that it will need to examine spending … so as not to jeopardize future service for its students."
The board is already in the process of planning for next year’s budget, as provincial grants may very well be less again next year than this, says the release.
"The board is focusing on overall efficiencies and plans to involve staff and community in determining those efficiencies ... Working together we can ensure a continued high level of service and see that spending reflects the needs of our students."
Living Sky School Division encompasses a wide geographic area including the Battlefords, many communities, villages, First Nation communities and Hutterite colonies. Currently, 29 schools are located in 18 communities. Schools include PreK‐12, elementary, high schools and alternate schools with a student population of approximately 5,700.
