Prairie Rose predicts decrease in deficit, more riders on buses

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 14, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Prairie Rose Public Schools reviewed its financial year to date at Tuesday’s public board meeting, though it was noted that these numbers were accurate as of November, as officials did not have the opportunity to present the report last year.

There is a projected increase from Alberta education of approximately $571,832 due to increase in enrolment, said Candice Hintz, financial controller for Prairie Rose.

“We also received supplemental enrolment growth funding so our numbers were higher than last year,” said Hintz.

The division is also expecting an increase in fee revenue, due to the opening of several new academies in various schools, including the South Alberta Fire and Rescue, Mavs School of Baseball and South Alberta School of Softball.

However, with these academies also comes additional expenses, and so Services, Contracts and Supplies is expected to come in $357,495 over budget.

Overall, there is a $2,987 decrease in the projected deficit. Further updates to the budget will be expected in April.

Meanwhile, the increased number of riders in Prairie Rose transportation prompted the creation of additional routes.

The division went from 83 to 87 routes, which travel a total of 17,644 kilometres each day. The additional routes are in Redcliff for additional riders, in the Jenner area and north of Seven Persons to alleviate ride times, in Medicine Hat dedicated to hockey players attending the Irvine Hockey Academy.

They anticipate adding another route to Redcliff in the coming year.

11
-10