The province’s biggest catholic school district says provincial funding falls short of meeting the needs of students.
Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) trustee’s approved the 2024-25 fiscal plan on Wednesday. It includes a $21.5 million operating deficit which will be covered off using savings.
The board says it will be able to balance the books and hire more teachers and education assistants next year, but admits without a funding boost from the province, there could be difficult “operational decisions” that have to be made the following school year.
Board chair Shannon Cook says they have seen significant enrolment growth of more than 2,700 students this year without appropriate funding to address it. It won’t change in the next school year with CCSD expected to welcome 2,000 more students.
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“The level of funding provided by the province falls substantially short of meeting the needs of our students,” Cook says in a statement. “Very difficult decisions were made regarding the allocation of limited resources to support our students’ needs, while still ensuring they receive high-quality learning opportunities.”
Cook notes provincial grant rates haven’t increased to help offset inflation.
The board is budgeting $688.5 million in revenues and $710 million in expenditures. Both are increases from the prior year’s fiscal plan.
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) is expected to approve its budget next week.