Chinook has made a programming decision to try and cope with a deficit in funding from the provincial budget.

Fortunately for the teachers and students in the division, the cost-savings will not negatively factor into the quality of education provided.

Starting this fall, the Chinook Alternative Middle Plus School (CAMPS) in Swift Current will be moving into Fairview school.

Kyle McIntyre, Director of Education for Chinook School Division, explains the division sees a lot of a benefits from the move that aren't financial, but the primary driver was finance-related.

"This primarily for us was an opportunity to look at some of our expenditures; one of the areas we looked at was programs. This is a program that was off of an existing campus and it was costing us some money to be off campus. We had some space so really, this is a good efficiency in terms of program and in terms of expenditure," he said.

McIntyre also shares that schools specializing in assisted and alternative learning like CAMPS are vital to the division and the residents in the area.

"We really believe whole-heartedly in differentiating our instruction for kids. Sometimes kids not only have academic challenges, they also have social and emotional challenges," he said. "So we're please that we have a program like CAMPS to bring some interventions and supports for kids and families that require it."

The ability to move the kids into Fairview School will be beneficial beyond the budget as well, as Chinook School Division tends to try and transitition kids from CAMPS back into a more traditional school setting.

McIntyre calls the move "an opportunity to work hand-in-hand and get kids back into regular classrooms as quickly and as seamlessly as possible".

Budgetary savings coming from the move will be approximately $50,000 annually. So far in keeping up with the provincial government's funding deficit, the division has found over $5 million in savings. However, an additional $3.5 million is still needed this year to reach the $8.8 million cutback enforced in the provincial budget - something McIntyre and the division are working with the government to try and lessen the immediacy of having to pay.

In more CAMPS-related news, their 8th annual fundraising golf tournament runs this Saturday at Saskatchewan Landing Golf Resort.

Those wanting further information or to register can contact CAMPS at (306) 778-9288, or Saskatchewan Landing at 1-866-691-4653.