Online learning, fewer activities results in budget surplus for Clearview Public Schools year-end

Officials with Clearview Public Schools say there is an estimated $446,000 surplus for the district at its year-end on Aug. 31, 2021.

Officials note online learning and fewer activities in person reduced some costs to the division, which contributed to the surplus. The division had also budgeted contingency funding for extra cleaning during the pandemic, and with federal funding for the pandemic response, the division was able to save the contingency funds.

According to district officials, costs of COVID-19 in Clearview in 2020-21 totalled over $1,000,000. Elsewhere, medical leaves for teachers in 2020-21 was $446,299 which is said to be higher than 50 per cent compared to previous, non-COVID-19 years. Insurance costs are also greater than in previous years.

Officials say operating reserves at the Aug. 31, 2021 year-end that will be available for 2021-22, are expected to be $3,025,000.