The Wild Rose Board of Trustees have approved the division’s budget for the 2022-23 school year and will be hosting a virtual meeting tonight.

Officials say, the budget includes an operating deficit of $1.4 million to be covered by the division’s operating reserves. Total revenue is projected at $59.2 million with expenses of $60.6 million.

The Board notes, in 2022-23, the division is projecting staffing of 240 full time equivalent (FTE) teachers and 82 full time equivalent educational assistants. According to officials, this is a decrease of 14 FTE teachers and 13 FTE educational assistants compared to the 2021-22 school year. However, board officials added, based on projected student enrollment, it will still allow the Board to maintain reasonable class sizes and additional supports for students where needed.

Additional expenses specific to this year’s budget include: the Board’s investment (for a second year) in the Family Wellness Worker Assistant program to provide mental health supports for schools and support for negotiated staff cost increases. The Board will also focus on helping division staff move forward in their commitment and understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

A dedicated team will be in place to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students experience success, enhance communications between the school and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit community and provide a vital social and cultural link between the school and the community. This will be funded through the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education grant received by Alberta Education.

The Board is planning to hold an Umbrella School Council Meeting to discuss the 2022-23 budget with school council representatives. The meeting will be held virtually on May 31, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. using the following link: meet.google.com/bww-fhmh-wns.