BUDGETS AT A GLANCE

Edmonton Catholic Schools approved a $485-million budget for 2016-17, which is a four per cent increase from 2015-16. The district anticipates a surplus of around $24.6 million, which is about five per cent of the budget.

The Catholic district anticipates 770 more students to enrol come September, bringing total projected enrolment in Edmonton Catholic Schools to 40,870. The district will hire approximately 30 more teachers to educate them.

The Catholic budget eliminated basic school fees for families, and increased funding for inclusive education, elementary and junior high school chaplains, help for English language learners, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduation coaches.

Edmonton Public Schools expects to spend $1.12 billion next year, which is a 2.2 per cent increase from the current school year. Expecting to end this year with a $76-million surplus, the district will use $32-million of the extra dough on new and underfunded programs and services, leaving a $44-million surplus at the end of next year.

Another 2,997 students will enrol in city public schools next September, the district predicts, which will bring the student population to 95,355. The budget accounts for 475 new full-time equivalent jobs, including around 150 new teachers and 279 more school support staff.

Edmonton public is expanding its early learning program to a total of 14 schools. The half-day preschool programs help prepare English language learners and children with special needs and challenges for kindergarten.

A request to the federal government for $2 million to help cover the cost of educating and assisting approximately 500 Syrian refugees who enrolled in Edmonton Public Schools this year has gone unanswered. The district will receive provincial funding for the newcomers during the next school year.