Some Vernon schools will be losing vice-principals and school supplies in an effort to make ends meet.
The Vernon School Board approved its 2015/16 budget Wednesday, which also includes improvements.
“The Board of Education has been able to add or enhance some necessary educational resources,” said Kelly Smith, chairperson. “But to balance the budget, we need to use $950,000 of reserves and this is not sustainable. That’s why we also made the very tough decision to not fill some vacant vice-principal positions.”
The budget came together through a collaborative process.
“Much of the public feedback included keeping reductions away from the classroom, using reserves in the short-term, and charging for transportation,” said superintendant Joe Rogers. “We will be strategically looking at all areas outside the classroom, including transportation, for the 2016/17 budget.”
Meanwhile the district is looking at another $400,000 cut in funding for 2016/17.
“This, on top of our current operating deficit of $950,000, means big changes will be needed going into the 2016/17 school year for the district to remain financially sustainable,” said Adrian Johnson, acting secretary-treasurer.
The budget includes the following reductions:
n The removal of the vice-principal position at JW Inglis, Hillview and Coldstream Elementary schools ($75,000). This will be achieved by not filling some vice-principal positions in certain schools within the district that will become vacant at the end of this school year. No staff will be laid-off as a result.
n Implementation of the third phase of the transportation changes in the Lumby area, implementing the district recommended walk-limit ($50,000).
n A 10 per cent reduction in the school supplies budget, which will be reversed should hoped-for additional funding become available in December ($100,000).
The budget also includes the following improvements:
n 1.4 FTE total increase in dedicated curriculum teachers, distributed among technology education, numeracy support and career teaching, paid for by specific provincial funding.
n An information technology helpdesk position and IT manager ($200,000).
n The re-introduction of a millwright position to keep the district’s aging infrastructure operational and safe ($85,000).
n Six more educational assistants to meet the anticipated increase in numbers of students with additional support needs ($200,000).
n A dedicated ‘suspension room’ to provide a constructive learning environment for students temporarily suspended from their school, increasing their chances of success in the education system ($100,000).
n Wage increases for management (including principals and vice-principals), who have not received a wage increase since 2009. This can only happen if the provincial government lifts the ‘freeze’ on management staff increases ($134,000).
n Wage and benefit increases for teachers and support staff ($1.9m), as negotiated in the labour settlement agreement.
The budget reflects the following administrative cost-saving measures:
n A one-time saving of approximately $100,000 in legal fees through adopting a shared-service model.
n About $50,000 of extra interest revenue earned through more effective management of the District’s cash.
n About $100,000 realized through the sale of unused information technology hardware.