The Rocky View Schools (RVS) Board of Trustees has approved the 2021/2022 operating budget.

In a May 20 release, the board stated that the budget; which calls for revenue of just over $281 million and expenditures of just under $292 million focuses on key priorities for student success through targeted funding for the classroom.

Those key components are the same for both students learning in-person and online. They include:

  • Literacy and numeracy skill development
  • Supports for students with complex needs
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • Pandemic recovery and growth opportunities

RVS Board Chair, Fiona Gilbert acknowledges the challenges that the pandemic will continue to have on the upcoming school year.

"The Board recognizes that the impact of the pandemic will continue to be felt throughout the 2021/22 school year," says Gilbert. "This budget addresses the challenges and opportunities brought on by the pandemic while continuing to provide learning environments that ensure everyone learns, belongs, and succeeds."

The overall revenue is projected to be $281.3 million while expenditures are projected to be $291.8. That leaves a deficit of $10.5 million which the board says will be taken care of through utilizing operating reserves.  

The board says that the budget was created with the intention of funding additional opportunities and challenges with reserve dollars, which are projected to be 2.6

per cent of the total operating budget at the end of the next school year.

They say that they need to plan for pandemic recovery while addressing the impact the pandemic has had on students. They also have the added cost involved with creating two new online schools, which will be operational in the fall. 

Some of the draw on operating reserves that RVS outlines in 2021-2022 include:

  • $1.2 million allocated to support two new online schools
  • $4.65 million for pandemic recovery ( including additional mental-health and social-economic supports related to the pandemic)
  • A continuation of enhanced cleaning 
  • Dedicated support person for COVID -19 cases
  • Additional substitute time and pandemic-related supplies.  

Overall, 92 per cent of the budget instructional funding will go directly to the schools, and transportation fees are being reduced by up to 20 per cent next year.  

The base operating funding from the Alberta Government increased by $1.6 million while operating funding for infrastructure, maintenance and renewal decreased by $1.5 million. The RVS division will continue to grow next year with enrollment expected to increase by over 1,200 students.