The chair of Richmond’s Board of Education said she is thankful to the provincial government for giving back nearly $900,000 in administrative savings, which helped ease the impact of budget cuts for next school year.
Debbie Tablotney said the budget cut reversal is the result of trustee advocacy with the Ministry of Education.
She added she would like to see more money for the Richmond School District.
On Monday, Richmond trustees unanimously agreed to balance a $3.3 million deficit for its 2016-17 operating budget.
The board took $2 million from a $9.8 million accumulated operating surplus. It also cut an estimated 10 teaching positions ($660,000) as about 350 fewer students will be enrolled next year.
The board cut $335,000 from its school supplies budget.
“It will mean tightening our belts, such as saving paper,” said Tablotney.
The board also terminated $200,000 for HVAC (indoor air quality) services.
The board had initially been faced with a $4.2 million budget shortfall until Education Minister Mike Bernier returned $872,000 to the district last week.
By law, school districts must present a balance budget.
Vancouver’s board decided not to do so, in protest of ongoing funding cuts and downloading of costs by the provincial government.
It remains to be seen what the province will do with the budget.
