38 positions, which are mainly building operator roles will be eliminated in the upcoming school year within Rocky View Schools. 

RVS confirmed this, stating in an email that, 'as part of the 2023/24 school year budget approved by the Board in May, RVS recognized it would be necessary to reduce spending on caretaking.'

"Given the limited Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funding available for 2023/24 and having used all one-time reserve O&M funds to buffer funding shortfalls, a plan was developed to maintain a similar level of service to keep schools clean while spending less. This will involve changes to some caretakers’ schedules and responsibilities," the statement read in part.

RVS added that while the O&M grant provided to RVS from the government increased by 5 per cent, in their view, it still does not fully address cost pressures related to inflation, rising utility and insurance costs, and compensation costs.

"Funding for O&M in RVS continues to be a challenge given the current utilization rates of RVS schools where overutilized schools do not receive any additional funding from the government to address additional maintenance and cleaning costs."

It was also noted that in addition to caretaking, O&M funding must also address repairs and maintenance in RVS facilities, maintaining the grounds, snow removal, routine planning for future schools, utilities, and insurance. While RVS said that every staff member plays a valuable role in supporting their schools and students, they considered many cost-saving measures before reducing staff. 

"We are adding additional caretaking positions, which are being filled in part by staff who will no longer be in their previously held building operator role." 

RVS was not able to confirm which schools within the district would be impacted.