Board of Trustees
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Board approves $1 billion budget for 2015-2016 school year
Wed, 24 Jun, 2015
The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Edmonton Public Schools' $1.08 billion budget for the 2015-2016 school year at their regularly scheduled board meeting yesterday.
The budget means more teaching and support staff positions in schools to cope with increased student enrolment, restored funding for students with learning challenges, additional funds for instruction and many areas holding the line on spending.
Budget Highlights
- Funding for instruction will increase 4.4 per cent due to increased enrolment and higher teacher salaries.
- At the school level, there will be an additional 67 full-time equivalent teaching positions and an extra 51 full-time equivalent support staff positions.
- For students with learning challenges – funding will be restored for inclusive education at $61.8 million and PUF (Program Unit Funding) at $38.2 million.
- The overall fall enrollment is expected to be more than 92,000 students – an increase of about 2,700. Most of the increase, 1,655 students, will be in elementary grades.
- Board of Trustees’ budget of $859,000 remains the same.
- System Administration & Board Governance is just 3.3 per cent of total spending, well under the 3.6 per cent cap set by the province.
“This budget shows our dedication to putting money where it’s needed most – in the classrooms to support both students and staff, and ensuring our most vulnerable students are getting the services they need,” said Board Chair Michael Janz. “We feel this budget also ensures we have enough teachers and staff to work with our rapidly growing student population.”
New School Names
In other board news, trustees approved five names for new District schools – Margaret Ann Armour School in Ambleside, Nellie Carlson School in MacTaggart, Ivor Dent School in Rundle Heights, Roberta MacAdams School in Blackmud Creek and Michael Phair School in Webber Greens.
School Year Calendar for 2016-2017
The 2016-2017 School Year Calendar was approved on Tuesday afternoon as well. The calendar ensures all District schools have the same calendar and common days off, which makes it easier for families to plan childcare or transportation. Feedback from families and staff has been positive. Time off for the 2016-2017 calendar has allotted for a fall break with a six-day weekend, an extended May long weekend and a two-day Teachers’ Convention.
Letter to the Minister of Education
Trustees also unanimously approved writing a letter to the Minister of Education noting the community supports consolidating students from Highlands, Montrose and Mount Royal Schools at a modernized Highlands K-9 School.
