Public school board passes balanced budget

News Release
RRDSB

(June 5, 2007) - The Rainy River District School Board has approved the 2007/2008 Balanced Budget of $37,960,097. The Board was faced with the challenge of a 3% decline in enrolment and continued adjustment to the substantial reduction in funding from 2006/2007. Reductions to all budgets across the system were realized in order to balance the budget. The Board will draw $369,266 from reserves for multi-year commitments to the Achievement School Project, Aboriginal Achievement Leader, and transportation. Judy Eluik, Chair of Finance Committee, stated, “This budget continues to support our goal of having students work to the best of their abilities. Thanks go to Laura Mills, our Superintendent of Business, and all the others who had input in the development of this budget.”
The focus of the 2007/2008 budget was to narrow the gap between funding levels and expenditure levels. The Board continues to have funding shortfalls in supply teachers, professional development, library/guidance, and school office envelopes. In order to balance the budget, the board spends less in other envelopes than funding envelopes provide. Special education and capital are areas that the Board continues to monitor. “This budget focused on maintaining support at the classroom level. We began the budget process last fall to be prepared for the release of the Grants for Student Needs in March. Congratulations and thanks go out to Laura Mills for her expertise and leadership in ensuring that student achievement is supported for 2007/2008,” commented Jack McMaster, Director of Education.
The Board is pleased with the grant funding enhancements for Aboriginal students, transportation and primary class size. Enhanced Aboriginal programming that will be implemented for the 2007/2008 school year includes expanded native language courses, Aboriginal awareness programs, outreach-parent involvement and curriculum resources.
Student achievement continues to be the goal of the Rainy River District School Board, and the new budget will allow the Board to continue to support existing programs such as Full Day Senior Kindergarten, Reading Recovery Program, Speech Language Program, Achievement Schools Project for primary and junior, and staff development.