Prairie Rose projected deficit cut by tenfold

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on April 9, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Prairie Rose Public Schools trustees received positive financial forecasting on Tuesday, as well as approving a trip and a new course, both for next school year.

It was predicted that funding from Alberta Education will come in higher than was budgeted – as of February’s financial report, coming in $1,864,000 higher than budgeted due to certain changes to grants late in spring, among other factors.

A significant cost in the current report was attributed to transportation-building startup costs in regards to the division now having its own busing.

Overall, there is a $255,301 decrease in the projected deficit from $281,086 to $25,785.

Trustees approved a trip for Irvine School, which will take place in May of next year, to Quebec and Ontario with a series of tours to significant historical and cultural sites. The purpose of having the trip approved so early was so those interested could begin fundraising efforts, says assistant superintendent Boyd Craven.

“A lot of people, nowadays, if they can’t do any sort of fundraising, then they’re not interested,” said Craven.

A presentation for Ralston school covered some of the unique strengths and challenges presented by the location of the school, as well as how they help form the best learning environment for the children from the area, the children of BATUS families as well as Canadian military families.

Students can now break out their mats as yoga was proposed and approved as a new locally developed course, initially for Eagle Butte High School but usable anywhere in the division.

The course would be available at three high school levels, and offers a chance for students who are interested in physical education but not necessarily the offerings of the general course to continue to pursue another avenue.

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