Given the financial constraints school districts are finding themselves in these days, districts are being encouraged more and more to look outside traditional funding sources to supplement operations.
If elected, school trustee byelection candidates were asked what innovations they would bring to expand revenue opportunities into Chilliwack school district.
These were their responses.
Rob Stelmaschuk: I would meet with all the Trustees to discuss any ideas to expand revenue opportunities. Maybe prize lottery draws, 50/50 draws, or auctions on donated items to auction on line. I think that with all of the trustees working together we could incorporate these and other ideas to supplement revenue for the Chilliwack school district.
Harold Schmidt: The provincial government provides each school district a grant of $8,603 for each FTE (full-time equivalent) student. More students means more funding. The district should make all efforts to keep students attending school, (K through Grade 12 graduation) and thus have an increased FTE revenue base. Investigate the possibility of year-round schooling or double scheduling, as a cost-saving measure. Cap administrative salaries and bonuses and/or consolidate administrative positions and responsibilities for a cost-saving measure. Double the fines for speeding in school zones (as per construction zone fines), with the extra monies going to the school.
Karen Jarvis: I would bring the ability and desire to commit the time and energy required to engage with all stakeholders. Through such a collaborative process, we can share and build on the creative ideas of one another, in order to think both inside and outside the box with respect to funding the needs of our school district. It is only through collaboration that we can have success.
Ben Besler: I would strengthen the current revenue streams that we have to get the most for our district. I would use the relationships I have established with provincial decision-makers to advocate for Chilliwack to get its fair share of operating and capital funding. Then I would expand on and encourage stronger relationships with the business community to create more student engagement, build relationships, and offer more choices to allow every student the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.
Dan Coulter: Chilliwack needs strong, public education that serves all students – not just those at schools that can fundraise. If elected, I would work with all stakeholders locally to ensure that all local fundraising was equitable and directed towards where it was needed most.
Corey Neyrinck: I think that the best innovation would have to be going to the City and province to work together to come up with more funding.
