Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
A staff survey indicates that mental health, literacy and numeracy are top priorities for students in School District 53.
That’s what officials heard during a preliminary budget report on May 18.
In addition to budget figures, Secretary Treasurer Subra Paliappa presented highlights of a staff survey. Out of 89 responses, 34 chose mental health as the top priority, while 27 chose literacy and numeracy. Another priority is improved outcomes for Indigenous students. This aligns with the goal of closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
In other responses, staff called for more support for vulnerable students, a focus on climate change education, and information technology education for security awareness.
District goals include maintaining the following: enhanced HVAC operations, health and safety protocols ($35K), year-round custodians ($77K), counselling at elementary ($104K), speech language pathologist ($41K), and teacher/counsellor ($52K).
Paliappa said the budget is largely based on enrolment, noting the trend has been an upward blip every five years.
“The numbers seem quite good compared to the last two years,” he said.
A comparison graph shows enrolment in 2019/20 was 2,290. That increased by one the following school year. In 2021/22, the enrolment is 2,353, and is projected to be 2,355 in the 2022/23 school year. This number is projected to jump to 2,381 in 2023/24, and go back down to 2,350 in 2024/25.
Paliappa reported that total operating revenue for 2022/23 will be $31.11 million, while total expenses will be $31.55 million. Instruction takes up 81 per cent of these expenses, followed by operation and maintenance (11 per cent), district administration (five per cent), and transportation (three per cent).
During question period, Paliappa was asked about a previously reported deficit of $600,000 and how that will be reconciled.
The treasurer said this figure is in a state of flux and will mostly likely “reverse” itself as the budget settles. He noted the district’s operational situation has changed and he projects a very small surplus when all is said and done. But he pointed out this figure could come back as a deficit.
Another question was asked about year-round custodial during COVID-19.
Paliappa said custodial operations were mainly carried out after school prior to the pandemic. But now custodians are working during the school day (sanitizing).
“I’m not sure if we’re out of the woods (with COVID),” Paliappa said.
School board chair Rob Zandee invited everyone to attend the first draft of the budget meeting in June.
“We’re trying to put the money where the students get the best gains. We really want to have some excited, engaged and really well-educated students in this district.”
