St. Paul Education approves balance budget for 2024-25 amid financial challenges

St. Paul Education has approved a balanced budget for the 2024-25 school year, amounting to $58,407,702 in both revenue and expenses. The decision, approved by the board, involves significant adjustments to ensure fiscal stability amid economic constraints, declining enrolment, and inflationary pressures.  

Instruction expenses from the largest portion of the budget at $43.1 million. However, with revenue for instruction projected at $42.489 million, the division faces an initial deficit of $625,207 in the area. Surpluses in other sectors help balance the overall budget.  

Facilities expenses are budgeted at $9 million, with anticipated revenue of $9.1 million, resulting in a surplus of $123,387. Similarly, busing operations are expected to generate a surplus of $37,550, with both revenues and expenses budgeted around $3.5 million. Government and administrative expenses are projected at $2.7 million, with revenue expectation of $3.2 million, yielding a surplus of $464,270. These surpluses offset the initial deficit in instruction expenses, leading to a balanced budget overall.  

Superintendent Peter Barro emphasized that the budget maintains similar class sizes to previous years, despite necessary adjustments in staffing levels. The division will manage these adjustments primarily through transfers and attrition, ensuring minimal disruption to student learning.  

The budget decision comes amid economic constraints, including declining enrolment and unchanged funding rates versus increased inflation. The reductions were necessary to position the school division for a sustainable future.  

The division’s budget report highlights a $1.1 million decrease in funding from the Government of Alberta, with this year’s provincial funding at $46.2 million compared to $47.1 million last year. Secretary-Treasurer Jean Champagne noted that the division’s reserves are below provincial benchmarks, limiting financial flexibility.  

In response to these financial challenges, the division continues to streamline operations and reduce costs. Strategic hires have been made to align with the division’s goals, focusing on areas that enhance student learning and support, such as teacher innovation, technology, and student wellness.