On behalf of Seine River School Division, Mrs. Wendy Bloomfield, Board Chair and Dr. Ryan Anderson, Superintendent have prepared this joint statement to clarify to our communities and employees our sincere commitment to working together cohesively and collaboratively to navigate our current financial situation.
As a Board, we recognize that ultimately we made errors in the preparation and approval of the 2023-24 budget. We sincerely apologize for our errors and accept responsibility. As we move forward, we are committed to continue asking rigorous questions and expecting thorough and comprehensive answers to ensure we can make the best decisions possible for all students and staff.
As we begin the consultation process to build our next budget, we want to provide our joint assurance to consult and communicate openly with all rightsholders and to put forward a thoughtful but purposeful plan to achieve a balanced budget that will, wherever possible, minimize the effect on students and staff.
At the meeting on November 28, the Board approved an extensive plan to build the 2024-25 budget for Seine River School Division. This budget plan includes processes for gathering feedback, knowledge and expertise from our communities and employees.
Message from Wendy Bloomfield, Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Seine River School Division, I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the Senior Administration of Seine River School Division for their hard work and dedication to helping our Board navigate and understand the serious financial situation with which we are now faced.
The transparent and thorough examination of financial data is critical in guiding the Board's decision-making process. We deeply appreciate the diligence and professionalism exhibited by our administration team in presenting comprehensive information that enables the Board to make well-informed decisions. The Seine River School Division Board has full confidence in the integrity and accuracy of the data provided and this trust forms the basis of our collaborative efforts to address the financial challenges we currently face and underscores our collective commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Our Superintendent Dr. Ryan Anderson, Secretary Treasurer, Ms. Amanda Senkowski, and Assistant Superintendents Ms. Teresa Hampton, and Mr. Chris Szun have worked tirelessly over the past several months, looking at countless options and presenting the Board with a path forward that would provide the least disruption possible. The Board understands, however, that the extent of the current financial picture will require huge efforts and creative solutions to responsibly address our current deficit position.
The Board and Senior Administration of Seine River School Division have very different and distinct roles to play in the governance of a school system. I personally want to assure you, our communities and employees, that we are both committed, while staying true to our stated values of honesty, respect and empathy, to working together collaboratively and proactively to get our financial house in order. Our ultimate goal is to solidify the reputation of Seine River School Division as a caring and inclusive place to learn and work.
