The Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) Board of Trustees approved the 2024-2025 budget during the May 24 meeting.  

The approved budget includes a slight decrease in projected student enrolment and adjustments to staffing levels.  

The board approved a budget of $119,403,813 in total revenue and total expenses.  

The estimated balance of operating reserves is $1,994,371, and $989,748 in capital reserves.   

“Both operating reserves and capital reserves are lower than recommended. Our current spending model is no longer sustainable, and significant adjustments must be made to balance the budget and restore both operating and capital reserves to acceptable levels,” the budget report to trustees said.  

In January, the school division submitted 2 per cent student enrolment growth. Alberta Education Revenues have been reduced by $777,000 in the 2024-2025 budget.  

Budget highlights include:  

  • Investment income has been reduced to reflect the use of reserves in the current year  

  • Restructure the Inclusive Learning Teacher Model  

  • Remodel the Family School Counsellor Program  

  • Increase class size across the division by one student  

  • Discontinue Middle School Online Program due to low enrolment  

  • Reduce the High School Online Program Subsidy   

  • Reduce contingent teachers when possible  

  • Reduce educational assistants when possible  

  • Reduce Direct Services Program Budgets  

  • Reduce staffing at the division office  

  • Reduce additional administrative support time in schools  

  • Establish “Fee for Choice” transportation fees  

 

 Business that was not allocated for in the budget includes:  

  • Uncertainty in the number of students who take the school bus, increased driver salary and benefit costs, and fuel and bus maintenance  

  • Canadian Union of Public Employees negotiations  

  • Update computer software  

  • An increase in classroom complexity, adding pressure to hire additional educational assistants   

Read the full budget here.