Calgary Catholic School District passes budget with no fee hikes, no staff cuts

The Calgary Catholic School District’s board of trustees approved a balanced budget this week with no cuts to staff, no reductions in services and no proposed fee hikes.

Despite a $10.1-million operating deficit, officials said the $616.3 million budget for 2018-19 was balanced due to reductions in capital costs and transfers from reserve funds.

“This is a functional budget that allows us to continue to prioritize student learning to ensure that we are aligned with our three-year plan,” said chief superintendent Gary Strother.

“Administration and our board of trustees worked diligently to continue to protect and enhance instruction, resources and supports in our schools and classrooms.”

The province’s last-minute announcement in late May to provide increased funding through the Classroom Improvement Fund also allowed the district to add 56 new teachers to help reduce class sizes and eight educational assistants to support students with special needs.

CCSD’s budget announcement comes one week after the Calgary Board of Education passed a balanced budget, but with proposed increases in fees to students in alternative programs and some cuts to administrative staff.

The Calgary Catholic School District serves more than 55,000 students in 112 schools in Calgary and surrounding communities including Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and Rocky View Country.

CBE serves more than 122,000 students in 250 schools.