The Prairie South School Division Board of Education passed one of its most challenging operational budgets for the 2017-2018 academic year at their regular meeting in Moose Jaw on May 1.
According to Dr. Shawn Davidson, board chair of the Prairie School school board, they were not the only division to be hit hard by the provincial budget presented on March 22 by Finance Minister Kevin Doherty.
“All of the divisions around the province were cut, based on the reality that the provincial budget is $55 million less than last year,” said Davidson.
Prairie South school division is losing millions from the provincial government compared to last year and also is affected by inflation and price hikes.
“We have about $1 million in inflationary pressures and on top of that a $3.5 million reduction in funding from province,” Davidson added. “This was the most challenging budget for the Board in recent years, and was made more complex because it was the second year in a row of reduced provincial funding despite experiencing enrolment growth.”
The board understands that the public will not be happy with the cuts but that the board “had to look in every dusty corner” for funds and weigh every expenditure.
“We are responding to the hand that we’ve been dealt. You don’t pull $4.5 million out of thin air,” said Davidson. Still, he expressed hope for the upcoming year.
The division is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative in the province. “We have amazing staff, and we are doing great things for children and families in our schools. I know our staff will use the resources we have been provided carefully.”
