By David F. Rooney
School Board 19 Trustees have passed a new and amended version of the 2014-2015 budget that raises its total to $12.72 million from $12,040,359.
This new budget, presented during the Trustees’ meeting on Wednesday, February 25, shows the district receiving an operating fund of $10.27 million from the provincial Ministry of Education, up from $10.16 million.
“Several factors impacted the 2014/2015 projections including: the loss of revenues and saving of expenses resulting from the September job action; the milder-than-normal weather conditions to date; increases in utility charges; and benefit cost increases,” says the document prepared by SD 19 Treasurer Bruce Tisdale.
It also contains $425, 218 for Learning Improvement, Strong Start, Community Link and Annual Facility grants. As well, it earmarks just over $2 million for deferred Capital Revenue.
“I think it addresses our ideals,” said Trustee Elmer Rorstad. “I think it’s a very good budget for Revelstoke.”
Please click here to read the newly amended 2015 budget document.
Please click here to read the previous 2014/15 budget.
In other news emanating from the meeting Superintendant Mike Hooker reported that the fire that broke out at the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation’s facility at Downie Timber on Sunday had no noticeable effect on heating at the new Revelstoke Secondary School and Begbie View Elementary School buildings. Both schools are equipped with propane backup heating systems.
He also noted that the Ready, Set, Learn Spring Fair for Children Born in 2011 will be held on March 4 from 9:30 am until noon in the BVE gymnasium.
Hooker also reported to Trustees about Columbia Park Elementary School’s School Growth Plan. The plan outlines the strategies to improve and the school’s literacy, numeracy and school connectedness goals.
Please click here to read the complete SD 19 Trustees’ agenda including, starting on page 11, the CPE growth plan.
On a final note, while I would normally include a complete video of the school board meeting I had a technical problem with The Current’s video camera. That problem has been resolved and videos of the Trustees’ meeting will resume at their next meeting, slated for March 25 at 5 pm.
