In advance of a new budget expected sometime in late spring, Rocky View Schools (RVS) trustees approved budget priorities for 2016/17 during its regular meeting Jan. 21.
“In the economic environment, things are going in the wrong direction,” Trustee Fiona Gilbert said.
“We’re not sure what our budget is going to be. We’re going to have some hard decisions to make over the next few months. To have these priorities to guide us is good.”
RVS approved four priorities meant to guide decision-making in the division prior to the preparation of a proposed budget.
The priorities identified included a focus on classroom instruction, services for inclusive learning environments, specialized services for students with complex or emotional needs, and a continued focus on literacy, numeracy and “21st century skills and knowledge.”
These budget priorities reflect guidelines outlined during the 2015/16 school year.
“These budget priorities are not very different from last year. I think that shows that we are committed to getting as much money as we can into our classrooms, into our schools,” Gilbert said.
Trustee Norma Lang opposed the motion, noting her concerns that priorities might be perceived as being ranked based on their ordering in the list as released.
“I support the motion, but I’m wondering, when we release this and give this to our (Superintendent of Schools Don Hoium) if it’s clear these are not in priority order? When people read a list, there’s a natural assumption that (they are ranked),” she said.
“I want to reinforce the message that we know that literacy and numeracy (are very important).”
RVS expects a 2.3 per cent increase in funding as part of next year’s budget, if the NDP government continues to fund enrolment growth.
“When it comes to kids, that’s the one area this board has been 100 per cent (in agreement) with all of the time,” Trustee Bev LaPeare said.
“Keeping the kids at the center of every decision that we make.”
RVS will be guided by a new set of policies, effective Jan. 21. The change came following 18 months of review by the board of trustees.
“It was not easy work. I know sometimes we went home with our heads spinning,” Board Chair Colleen Munro said. “It helped define what my role as a trustee is and reaffirmed the fact that I’m here for the right reasons.
“(We want) to make this one of the best school divisions in the province. I think this was an exercise that really brought us together as a board.”
The full set of policies, available on rockyview.ab.ca, include 25 documents ranging from “Role of the Board” to “Resolution of Public Concerns.” That number is down from the 127 policies previously held by the division.
“As a parent and as a member of the community, going on the RVS website and navigating what is policy and what is procedure, it was a bit of a mountain of work,” LaPeare said. “Knowing (now) this is a manageable amount of policies for each of us to keep straight in our head, it will be easier and more effective to answer questions.
“I think in terms of helping the public navigate our system, we’ve done a great service to them.”
