The Delta school board announced Thursday it faces a shortfall of just over $2 million for the next school year, but doesn't anticipate having to make any cuts thanks to a hefty surplus.
Due to an unexpected allocation of one-time funds announced by the Ministry of Education last December, the Delta school district anticipates finishing the current school year with a positive balance of $1.9 million.
In the past, the district has used this type of unanticipated funding to pay for one-time cost items, such as the Laptops for Learning project. Historically, it has been reluctant to use this type of funding for items like staffing, which are an ongoing cost.
However, the school board is proposing that $1.72 million from the one-time funding bonus be used to address the 2012/13 budget shortfall. The remaining deficit amount will be addressed through several revenue sources and by not filling a temporary vacancy.
A number of factors have contributed to the anticipated deficit, including a projected enrollment decline of approximately 150 students in September.
Last year, Delta trustees adopted an operating budget that had several deep reductions to help make up a $3.49 million shortfall. Previous budgets were even tougher, including the closure of two elementary schools in 2009. Special programs and educational assistants have also been reduced.
The budget constraints have been primarily due to the district's continued declining enrollment, which currently sits at around 15,500.
The Ministry of Education recently said that despite declining enrollment province-wide, it is maintaining K-to-12 school operating funding at just over $4.7 billion for 2012/13. The preliminary per-pupil annual funding is set at $8,491.
Education Minister George Abbott noted the government is also earmarking money to help school districts implement aspects of B.C.'s Education Plan and bring "innovative learning ideas" into the classroom. Money will also be directed toward vulnerable students.
The Delta school board says it's waiting for more information on those initiatives.
The board is holding a public meeting to hear submissions from people on the proposed budget on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the school district office in Ladner.
To sign up to make a submission, e-mail [email protected] or call 604-952-5340.
