On behalf of the Delta Board of Education, I would like to thank all of the parents, staff, students and community members who provided feedback and insight throughout this year’s budget process.
Our board has approved a budget that grapples with declining enrolment and increasing employee benefit and pension costs, all the while remaining committed to our vision of being a leading district for innovative teaching and learner success.
Presently, out of a total of 60 school districts in British Columbia, the Delta School District has the second-lowest spending on administration costs, yet the fifth-highest spending on instructional services. These figures demonstrate our strong commitment to placing the needs of our learners first.
One of the most difficult aspects of this year’s budget process has been tackling a 47-per-cent reduction in funding from the Ministry of Education for student transportation. The board has made the decision to allocate the remaining transportation funding to support our students with special needs.
Based on the feedback received during the budget process, we adjusted some of the budget recommendations originally brought forward.
Of the previously proposed reductions of 3.69 full-time education assistants and three custodial/trades staff, 1.69 full-time education assistants and one full-time custodial position have been restored back to the 2013-14 budget.
In addition to these staffing amendments, for the 2013-14 school year, proposed funding reductions for the culinary arts programs have been decreased from $64,000 to $19,000.
Further, the board has largely restored the proposed reduction in school supplies, 70 per cent of the proposed reduction in learning resource funding, and removed the maintenance supply budget cut.
While it has been difficult to tackle another deficit, the Delta School District continues to be an exceptional educational community.
The Delta Board of Education would like to thank everyone who works so hard to make our district a hub of innovation, learning, and student success.
Laura Dixon
Chairperson, Delta Board of Education
