Diamond Calcutta PAGE A3
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Cancer consequences PAGE A9
VOL. 101 NO. 74
waveriders in kelowna PAGE A14
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BUDGET SHORTFALL
SD28 looking to cover $901,000 funding shortfall
Summer Hockey in Quesnel Building on their successful first season of 3 on 3 Hockey held in March/April this year, Shane Thon, left and Richard Gauthier, along with Matt Kolle (not in photo) are offering high-calibre instruction in two summer hockey school camps. Register at the Arts and Recreation Centre either by phone or in person at 250-992-8200. Space is limited and B.C. sanctions apply – full gear, mask or screen, neck guard. First camp is Aug. 17 – 21 and second camp is Aug. 31 – Sept. 4. See Page B2 in the Classifieds for more details. www.cancer.ca/relay www.cancer.ca/relay
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July 16th - 19th
www.cancer.ca/relay
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber Don Fawcett! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
Tracey Roberts photo
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www.cancer.ca/relay
ning regarding the development of a School Development Strategy. This process is expected to be completed by December 2015 and could substantially change the future use of the District’s schools and facilities and likely includes school closures. An efficient use of facilities will enable the district to keep resources in classrooms and provide the best services to support students. In order to balance the budget and meet administrative savings, the following adjustments are planned or have been implemented: • Phase out International Program $8,590; • eliminate 1.375 FTE managerial positions ($123,000); • reduction of 6.2 FTE teaching positions ($576,600); • Reduction of .5 FTE custodial position ($21,590; • reduce equipment replacement – technology/school ($50,000); • consolidate learning resources software ($20,000); • decrease diesel fuel budget ($20,000); • relocate aboriginal education program ($4,220); • reduction in purchase of carbon credits ($2,000). The preliminary 2015/16 budget will be balanced by reducing the operating surplus from the 2014/15 operating year, as a one year transition. The amount of the appropriation from this year’s projected surplus is $131,200. For more see Friday’s Observer.
ww.cancer.ca/relay
Facing a funding shortfall of approximately $901,000 the Quesnel Board of Education announced plans to balance the 2015/16 budget. The Annual Budget Bylaw is set at $38,292,042. Student enrolment is projected to decline by 121 school-aged full time equivalent (FTE) and 60 adult FTE for the 2015/2016 school year. The board anticipates declining enrolment and cost pressures will contribute to a significant portion of the shortfall in funding at approximately $699,000. The remaining shortfall is attributed to the administrative savings target implemented by the Ministry of Education in the amount of $202,000. The administrative reduction is allocated outside of funding protection and districts have flexibility in how administrative targets are achieved without impacting classroom instruction. The total funding shortfall is $901,000. Education partner feedback was gathered through partner meetings allowing the Board to receive input regarding the shortfall. Discussions focused on how to deal with the reduced funding and what the board should focus on over the next two years. Education partners included school-based Parent Advisory Council representatives, the general public, Quesnel District Teachers’ Association, and the Quesnel Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Association. The Board of Education continues with plan-
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