Board continues to look at budget
In preparation for second and final reading in June, the Board took another look at its draft 2022-23 preliminary budget at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, May 24.
Secretary Treasurer Dale Culler briefly summarized the process and meetings that have been held to get to this point to have the final budget prepared for approval at the regular Board of Education meeting in June. With the reduction in the funding received in the Ministry of Education Operating grant there was a number of proposed changes to the budget.
The Board had an opportunity to discuss specific details about the changes in a previous in-camera meeting, as some of the changes affect personnel. A more general discussion was held at the Committee of the Whole later that day. Changes from the Board after those discussions will be incorporated into the budget for when it is presented for second, third and final reading at the June meeting.
VIEW THE RECORDING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING HERE
The Ministry operating grant for the upcoming year is expected to be close to $77.2 million, which is $576,699 less than received in this year’s budget. The district is also expecting enrolment to drop by approximately 60 full time equivalency (FTE). In some instances, outgoing secondary school cohorts are larger compared to the incoming cohorts in K-3.
Culler noted that he and Director of Finance Jeremy Hunt met with all the departments to go through all services and supplies budgets. He noted they went through what each department was required to meet from a regulatory/legislative requirement as well as service levels they were looking to increase or decrease based on alignment with the strategic plan.
“In recognition that there was some efficiencies that we had to gain, and there were some dollars that we had to cut out of the budget, we have a summation of each of the areas of services and/or supplies in the charts, to see some of the proposed increases and the offsetting reductions.”
Services and Supplies – Summary of Changes
Culler noted that a couple of the budgets, such as Food for Schools and professional development and travel, are returning back to pre-COVID levels. He also drew their attention to the line items for parts, tires, fuel and oil, saying there was a significant increase in this area due to the increase in the cost per litre for fuel.
Culler discussed the surplus changes table, to inform the Board that there will be a requirement to appropriate prior years surpluses to balance the 2022/23 budget.
Board Chair Amanda Krebs commented she definitely saw how important it is for the Board to have a contingency, and that a minimum reserve of one percent if not more would be preferred.
Culler noted that with the efficiencies found so far, and using some of the accumulated surplus it would be tight but should be sufficient to get the district through next year.
After the presentation, trustees thanked Culler and his team. “This is a tough, tough thing to have to do, it’s part of this job. I certainly appreciate the work you have been doing. It’s difficult work,” commented Trustee Marty Gibbons.
“Clearly it is a team effort,” commented Culler. “Every one of the department managers has been supportive as much as possible, understanding that we’ve asked them to take a real tough look at their budgets. They all come to those discussions with that understanding. It shows in the work that has been done and the recommendations that have come forward. I know that they haven’t been easy discussions by any stretch. I’m really proud of all the staff in the district for the work that they’ve done.”
“They are difficult conversations and I think in every conversation we try and keep the decisions as far away from kids as possible,” added Superintendent of Schools Donna Kriger. “I too would just articulate staff have come looking to find ways of doing things differently and still trying to maintain a level of service to kids. I think our numbers would suggest that we do have significant supports for kids. If we had more money we absolutely would be putting the money there in supports. They are difficult decisions. People have come with a positive intent to those conversations and I’m so appreciative.”
Krebs noted that anyone having questions about the budget is invited to send their questions to board@sd83.bc.ca.