School District 58 is getting some much needed funding returned in administrative savings from the provincial government.
A total of $122,301 is being redirecting back to the school district as part of an announcement from the Ministry of Education Tuesday (May 31) that all school districts will be exempt from paying their share of $25 million in administrative savings this year.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that maximum education dollars go into services for students,” said Minister of Education Mike Bernier in a press release. “Districts worked hard to reduce their administrative costs and we are pleased to be able to direct that $25 million back to programs and initiatives that will directly benefit the kids of B.C.”
Last year B.C.’s 60 school districts were directed to find $54 million in administrative cost savings over two years.
The amount of money being left with districts is equal to the year two administrative savings districts were asked to find, the press release went on to state.
The savings can be redirect into services such as more teachers, busing or classroom programs, but districts can use the funding as they see fit, said the press release.
With the announcement, the amount of administrative cost savings SD58 is required to find has been reduced from $267,629 to $145,328, which is an increase of $122,301 to its overall revenue, secretary treasurer Kevin Black told the Herald.
He said the additional funds will be used to lower the recently passed budget bylaw deficit and will provide additional classroom support where appropriate.
“And that won’t be determined until September,” Black said.
SD58 recently passed a second straight deficit budget, cutting some of its busing services to save money.
“We’re constantly looking for savings and we will continue to look for savings, Black said.
He said that at this time this is one time funding.
“We’re going into times where things are getting more and more difficult, so we need to continue looking at all areas to have savings,” Black said.
B.C. School Trustee Association (BCSTA) said via press release that the announcement helps to recognize the ongoing funding needs of school districts, and will address some of the immediate financial pressures currently being faced in schools.
However, as the money will not fully address all of the current funding concerns in school districts, BCSTA will continue working with the education ministry to establish fully sustainable and predictable long-term funding for all B.C. school districts, the press release stated. BCSTA will be looking for government to make permanent additions to the overall budget for K-12 schools.
