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Early Look At Vernon Schools Budget Sees Shortfall

Dec 22, 2017 | 6:57 AM

Vernon School trustees have been given an overview of what to expect in the 2018/19 district budget.

A report from the Secretary-Treasurer says the salary and benefit increases due in late spring of 2018 will impact the next school year.

Both teachers and CUPE employees are scheduled for raises.

That combined with the cost of trustee elections next fall, expenditures for services and supplies added to general inflation will bring added cost pressures to the final budget.

Board Chair Kelly Smith explains:

“Costs will increase at approximately 1.7 million and additional revenue will increase at approximately 1.3 which ends up with a shortfall of just less than 400 thousand dollars.”

The actual amount is 392 thousand dollars for the 2018/19 school year.

But Smith emphasizes this is still very early

Public input is also going to be sought both online and in person.

” So I want to get that word out early so people write it on their calendars so they remember that April 11th the public will have a chance to give input publicly but of course they can give their input anytime just by sending it to the board office.”

The board has to submit a budget by June 30th.

Updates will be discussed at a number of meetings up to that point.