Clearview Public Schools is considering a significant deficit in a yet-to-be approved draft budget.
A budget document reviewed by Clearview trustees during their May 4 meeting shows that the board could see a budget deficit approaching $1.9 million for the 2022/2023 school year, if approved.
The budget would be funded through surplus remaining from the 2021/2022 budget and through central and school reserves.
Budgeted in the draft document is just over $1 million in central reserves for “facilities, strategic initiatives (such as mental health supports, CTS supplies, curriculum supports and bargaining), professional learning” and more.
Clearview anticipates ending the 2022/2023 school year with operating reserves of around $1 million, well under the $1.6 million now allowed by the province.
Challenges facing budget planning this year include the high cost of fuel, utilities, and staff benefits; however, the board anticipates passing the budget before the end of June.
Sports academy
Delegates with a vision of a future sports academy presented to Clearview Trustees during their May 4 meeting.
The delegates, requesting a partnership with Clearview, would like to create a program where students would focus on their studies in regular schools for half the day before switching to focused athletic programming for the afternoons.
Athletic programs offered would include rodeo, basketball, volleyball and hockey to start.
Clearview’s trustees expressed interest in further exploring the partnership and will continue conversations in the coming months.