The cuts across Wolf Creek Public Schools will not be as deep as originally anticipated thanks to an unexpected infusion of funds from the provincial government.
Superintendent of WCPS Jayson Lovell said news has been received from the minister of education that an additional $904,000 will be allocated to the division.
“That’ a nice chunk of change,” he said. “And we certainly didn’t expect it. It is a real game changer.”
While the funding does not come close to helping WCPS balance their budget, it does alleviate the need to make such significant reductions to teachers, social workers and counsellors.
A decision as to allocate the funding has not yet been determined, but all Wolf Creek teachers and administration have been asked to provide input.
Discussions are being held May 8 with the ATA local and the school board to determine the priorities for the money.
“The funding comes as a huge relief,” Lovell said.
In order to balance the 2018/19 $86.73 million budget, WCPS trustees originally needed to come up with ways to reduce spending by $2.6 million.
The $900,000 will help close that gap.
“The funding comes as a huge relief,” Lovell said.