VILNA/SMOKY LAKE - Aspen View Public Schools approved its operating budget at its last regular meeting on May 28, projecting a deficit of $300,000.
"The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Aspen View Public Schools’ 2020-21 operating budget for submission to the Provincial Government. Total budgeted expenditures total approximately $42.9 million, with a projected operating deficit of $300,000," reads information from the school division. Aspen View includes schools in Vilna, Smoky Lake, Boyle, Thorhild, Athabasca, and area.
According to the board highlights from the May 28 meeting, two-thirds of the projected deficit reflects a budgeted contingency for costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary-Treasurer Aimee Hirtle said as the first budget under the new provincial funding framework, the budget includes $910,000 of ‘bridge’ funding that will be eliminated over the next two years.
Superintendent Neil O’Shea noted that changes to Program Unit Funding (PUF) are a concern. The Great Beginnings pre-kindergarten programs currently funded through PUF will be maintained for 2020-21, but they will be need to be reconsidered for future years.
The budget includes a reduction of approximately 6.5 FTE teaching positions and 10 FTE educational assistant positions, mostly achieved through retirements and resignations. Some specialized services will also be reduced, while universal supports for early learning, wellness and mental health have been maintained.
"There will be an increase in class size as a result of the reductions in some schools in the division," said board chair Candyce Nikipelo.
She acknowledged this is the first budget put together under the new K to 12 funding formula. The new formula is something Aspen View lobbied strongly for.
"We appreciate that the new funding formula better recognizes the unique realities between rural Alberta and urban centres. However, the new funding formula also brings with it new challenges. Our board is particularly cognizant of the bridge funding in the new funding formula, and the possibility this may not exist in future years," said Nikipelo.
“Our operating budget sees the maximum amount of dollars flowing to the classroom through school budgets. Our board worked hard to mitigate risks to the classroom in the budget process," she added.
While there will be a reduction in specialized services for students, positions to support early learning along with wellness and mental health supports were maintained.
“Aspen View is very proud of the diverse programming students receive and this budget ensures schools have the funds to be creative and innovative in programming for students.”
New school in Smoky Lake
Last year, Aspen View also announced that in conjunction with the Government of Alberta and the Town and County of Smoky Lake, the preliminary design and planning of the H.A. Kostash School replacement project is now underway.
The province has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Bridging Consultant who will work with Aspen View Public Schools and Alberta Infrastructure in the initial stages of the project, including design of the school and securing architects and builders, according to a media release from the school division.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated timeline for this project mean that stakeholder engagement will take on a different look,” Aspen View Public Schools Superintendent Neil O’Shea said. “Nevertheless, the design committee will gather input and work with the project team to ensure the new H.A. Kostash School will proudly represent Smoky Lake community and be a showcase for education in rural Alberta," said O'Shea.
The project is unique in that the Town and County of Smoky Lake have committed $600,000 toward community-use space within the new school project, which they have identified as daycare space.
