The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District continues to struggle with challenging finances.
Secretary-treasurer Sterling Olson reported to trustees Tuesday that enrolment and school district revenue are both expected to decline during 2012/13.
“We expect to be down approximately 250 students next year, and we expect this trend to continue for the next four or more years,” he said.
Even with the provincial funding protection grant of just over $1.2 million, the district will be short more than $1 million next year.
“Without this grant, the district would be down over $2.35 million,” said Olsen.
The closure of Ashton Creek Elementary has saved about $400,000 and some savings will also come from staffing reductions related to enrolment declines.
Olson noted the government has announced new targeted funding of $788,080 for learning improvement and $129,020 to support struggling readers.
However, he pointed out there have also been changes to funding for graduated adult students who are taking courses — such as language courses through education outreach — which will impact the district.
A full budget bylaw will be presented at the June 12 trustees’ meeting.
