The Clearview Public Schools board of trustees is preparing for its annual budgeting process.
As part of its process senior administration and the board are developing a plan and building a framework which will see input from staff, parents, school councils, the colony schools and the general public to assist in making decisions for the 2022/2023 school year.
One consideration for the budget includes shifting operating reserves to capital reserves over the next several years to establish a reserve of $900,000 with which to purchase school buses and other fleet vehicles.
Other considerations include maintaining the funding for the Mental Health Capacity Building program, developing a plan to mitigate and support COVID-19 related costs, an expected deficit of $235,000 for teacher medical leave, and significant costs for disinfectant, sanitizer and personal protective equipment.
The budget for the 2022/2023 school year is planned to be passed and submitted to the province by May 31.
Focus on health and safety
Clearview Public Schools is focusing on the health and wellness of staff and students by continuing to provide extra cleaning in schools, in addition to the investment of high quality air filtering systems and follow all Alberta Health Services guidelines pertaining to masking, social distancing, and hand sanitizing.
Work is underway by the school division to coordinate the provision of medical masks and rapid tests to all staff and students.
“A healthy and safe environment to work and learn is our first and foremost priority,” said board chair Guy Neitz.
“The board has prioritized funding to the enhanced protocols in an effort to protect individuals and families in our communities.”
Municipal partner meetings
Trustees have reached out to their municipal partners to see if there is any appetite in meeting to discuss common interests and ways to serve communities.
“There is significant interest from partners,” states the release.
“The board will move forward with planning the meeting for sometime in the next few weeks.”
Staff appreciation
Staff appreciation week will be coming up in early February.
The week will be an opportunity for parents and community members to recognize the work that the Clearview Public Schools staff do to support regional children and their education.