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The Chinook School Division has approved their budget for the 2013-14 school year.

"This is probably a status quo type budget," said school division CFO Rod Quintin.

The budget has been balanced within the approved provincial funding for the 2013-2014 school year.

"We've had a couple of years now where we've seen less funding," Quintin said. "We did have a little room. The reduction in funding that we've got in the last couple of years has basically eliminated the room we do have in our overall resources."

For Quintin the highlights were being able to continue focusing on their education priorities.

Rod Quintin Interview"The continuation of our efforts around the implementation of the Math Momentum and the maintenance of the effort around the Balanced Literacy initiative."

The division stated in their press release that funding for these initiatives is integral for student success to remain a priority for Chinook.

“In June 2013, the Board adopted a new Strategic Plan to guide the system over the next four years, with Math Momentum and Balanced Literacy as the key academic areas,” said Director of Education Liam Choo-Foo. “Aligning our funding to allow the flow of essential resources in numeracy, we will continue to see math coaches and lead teachers working with our schools towards the math goal. We experienced great success in Balanced Literacy with a similar model.”

The work on the École Centennial joint school project with Holy Trinity School Division will continue, with an expected opening of September 2014. In addition, major projects will be undertaken at Fairview School and Leader Composite School. Smaller preventative maintenance and repair projects will be undertaken at Fox Valley, Burstall and Ponteix schools.
 
“While we have been able to achieve a balanced budget inclusive of capital grants, operational expenses are greater than operational revenues. Our operational allotment has been decreased in each of the last two years, and if this pattern continues, programs and services may be affected,” said Randy Beler, Chinook Board Chair. “Our Board’s top concern will always be the well-being and education of children, and we are committed to ensuring we have the appropriate resources available for the ultimate goal of learning for all students.”

Quintin noted they received $692,000 for preventative maintenance and repair. He anticipates some projects in a few communities around the southwest to help maintain those schools.
 
When capital funding is considered, total School Division revenues are expected to be approximately $88.92m, while it is anticipated that expenditures will come in at $87.76m. This results in a non-cash surplus of $1.16m as a result of capital grants.