Rocky View Schools is asking the public to weigh in on next year’s budget.

The budget hasn’t been developed yet, but RVS is anticipating some fiscal challenges as the Province continues to tighten its belt in the midst of continued economic uncertainty.

The Alberta government is trying to balance a budget that has seen ballooning deficits and increasing debt servicing costs while trying to balance the need and demands of public services.

With that in mind, RVS says there is no indication there will be any increases in funding from Alberta Education for the upcoming year and that means finding more cost savings.

In order to get public input, RVS is releasing two public surveys, one prior to the release of the UCP’s first full budget in March, and one after.

“It’s important that we hear from parents as to what they value in public education and what their priories are for learning and for education,” said Board Chair Fiona Gilbert.

RVS says the first survey will ask families and residents to help identify budget priorities, cost-saving measures and revenue-generating ideas.

“While it is the government determines how much a school division receives, it is the board that determines how that money is spent,” Gilbert explained. “Our board anticipates we will have some hard decisions, which is why we’re working through these budget consultation with our families and staff.”

The results of the first survey are expected to be published on March 10th.

The second survey will be posted following the release of the provincial budget once the board is able to review the budget documents and understand what it will mean for the school district. It will likely be asking stakeholders to provide input into how RVS will balance its budget to support students.

“We will continue to flow as many dollars directly to the classroom as possible,” said Gilbert. “However, to ensure students continue to learn the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed, thrive and contribute to our growing economy, we will need to find new ways of doing things.”

Gilbert says this is all being done in an effort to keep the community informed and involved in developing a budget that continues to support the needs of its students.

The province has not released a date for the tabling of the budget, but it is expected to happen this spring, likely sometime in March.

To participate in the first of the two RVS surveys, click HERE.