Catholic trustees balance budget

Calgary Catholic school trustees have approved a balanced budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

The $615-million budget was balanced using $ 1.7 million of district savings.

It forecasts $13.2 million in accumulated savings by the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year, leaving just 2.1 per cent of expenditures in savings as a financial safety net for future operations.

“We agree with the goal and spirit of reducing the burden of fees on parents and will continue to work with the government on this initiative,” board chair Cheryl Low said in a release.

The budget stands in contrast to that of the Calgary Board of Education, which announced a $38.6-million shortfall in April.

The approved Catholic school district budget will be submitted to the education ministry before the June 30 deadline.

We agree with the goal and spirit of reducing the burden of fees ... and will continue to work with the government.