Tracy Sim, Times-Chronicle
As a more normal school culture begins to open in the province with fewer restrictions, school boards in the province might be in a better place to manage minor budget fluctuations.
Before the pandemic, attempts to save funds for extra expenses and activities were always challenging for schools. During the pandemic, extra expenses and activities were cut altogether. This means that in some cases, schools may have grown surplus funds that will help students get back on track quickly.
“As we see a return to normalcy, some spending increases are happening as well”, says Subra Paliappa, Secretary Treasurer for School District 53.
District 53’s current expense load shows this with a capital deficit of $179,000 while the district ramps up into normal programming. But the good news is that the district can more easily weather relatively minor deficits as the district’s capital fund sits at just over $6.6 million dollars, leaving a forecasted surplus of about $6.45 million for the end of this year.
Paliappa added that with the return of things like inter-school sports and events, these funds can help the district afford transportation and supervision for kids, adding tremendous value to their education at a relatively low cost.
