Clearview Public Schools board of trustees met on Thursday, Feb. 9 to discuss how to best engage division leadership, school councils and communities in the budget development process towards supporting student success in 2017-18 at the regular board meeting.
However, many of the discussions will take place after Feb. 2017, once the actual funding information is known from the Alberta Government.
In planning for the budget for next year, the board established the following as the goals, with an emphasis to continue the current model for how schools and central services are funded.
Primary among them are to maintain a predictable funding allocation structure; ensure that the budget and financial framework reflects a long-term, stable learning environment focused on the strategic goals for Clearview; foster understanding of the funding and allocation formula, and advocate for the understanding of Clearview’s opportunities and challenges to ensure the best allocation of resources for student and staff success.
According to Peter Neale, Associate Superintendent, the budget development plan at this time will include consultation and will be completed after the Alberta Government announces the funding available to school boards in 2017-18.
“At this time, there is no information provided to help school boards with their planning, and in previous years’, information on funding was provided in late March or April,” Neale said. “School boards are usually expected to submit a projected budget, based on known funding and projected enrolments by May 31 or June 30.”
Neale added that by waiting until known information is provided on funding, any decisions needed will be based on the best information available.
“The board of trustees in determining the budget uses the strategic plan with available resources to ensure the best decisions are made for the benefit of all students and towards staff success,” Neale said.