By Troy Gillard

tough calls

Wolf Creek Public Schools addresses $2.7M budget deficit

Apr 21, 2020 | 11:15 AM

Another local school district is making some tough financial decisions for next school year.

The Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) Board of Trustees passed the division’s 2020/21 budget, addressing a $2.7 million deficit.

To do this, the division is pulling $1 million from reserves, reducing central office expenses by $766,454, cutting school operational budgets by 10 per cent, and restructuring Outreach School and Wolf Creek Academy programming.

District officials say the board was committed to maintaining key frontline supports for students in dealing with the deficit. To that end, there are no reductions in Educational Assistants, Instructional Leadership, School-Based Administrators, Inclusion Coaches or School Social Workers.

WCPS officials note that there will be a Classroom Teacher reduction of 2.43 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions.

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“This is a challenging budget, and there are reductions the Board has been forced to make throughout the Division. But the commitment to students remained at the forefront of the Board’s mind, throughout their deliberations,” said Jayson Lovell, superintendent, adding that the budget comes after months of analysis and consultation.

“This past November, the board directed senior administration to undertake a complete analysis of operations in preparation for the budget. This analysis included staff surveys to gather feedback on programs, input from administrators on various budget scenarios, and consultation with district office leaders. The Board sincerely appreciates the thoughtful and thorough engagement shown through the budget process, which was invaluable in their decision making.”

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools said on Monday it expects further staff reductions when its 2020-21 budget is approved next month. The division is also planning several program reductions and the closure of St. Gabriel Online School.