PRAIRIE VALLEY SCHOOL DIVISION
Prairie Valley Board of Education Approves 2021-2022 Budget

Prairie Valley Board of Education Approves a Balanced Budget for 2021-2022, a Budget That Includes Some Tough Decisions.

The Board of Education for the Prairie Valley School Division has approved a balanced budget for 2021-2022, a budget that is fiscally prudent while continuing to support the educational needs of students.

"This has been an unusual and challenging year for our students, their families and our staff, given the continuation of the global pandemic" said Janet Kotylak, Board Chairperson.  "And achieving a balanced budget wasn't easy with a modest funding increase of under one percent outlined in this spring's provincial budget".  "Thankfully, we had earlier launched a thorough organizational review, so the reductions we had to make were done in a thoughtful and careful way," Kotylak said.

Total enrolment is currently forecasted at 8,509, a decrease of 203 students from 2020-2021 projections. School-based teacher FTEs (Full Time Equivalents) are forecast to decrease by 13.79 to 534.10. A further reduction of 10.8 FTE's at the Education Centre and 11.80 school support staff.

The over-all PTR (Pupil/teacher ratio) for 2021-2022 is estimated at 15.34, roughly comparable to last year's ratio of 15.38.

Total staff FTEs will decrease by approximately 36.40  from 2020-2021 levels.

"This budget continues to do what we've always tried to do: place the needs of students first," said Luc Lerminiaux, Director of Education.  "However, the coming year won't be easy, given the many challenges we face as we emerge from a global pandemic." "Thankfully, we can rely on a professional, nimble and resourceful staff that has shown its ability to respond to student needs. I'm immensely proud of them," Lerminiaux said.

Funding for Preventative Maintenance and Renewal increases to $2.46M, an increase of 11%, which restores funding back to 2019-2020 levels. This money will go to much-needed building improvements.

The budget continues to provide funding for curriculum resource renewal, a phased in refresh of classroom sound systems and furniture plus bus and fleet vehicle renewal.

Overall, Prairie Valley's 2021-2022 budget is balanced on a cash basis with an operating deficit of $4M due to amortization of capital assets.