Prairie Rose gets funding hike to match enrolment
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on June 19, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Prairie Rose Public Schools trustees reviewed the division’s year-to-date financials Tuesday, current to the end of May. An increase in Alberta Education funding of roughly $1.3 million is expected due to an uptick in enrolment, as well as other funding from the province. There is also an increase in fee revenue with the opening of the South Alberta Fire and Rescue Academy, the Mavericks School of Baseball and South Alberta School of Softball. Overall, the division expects revenues to come in over $2 million higher than expected. However, with increased salary costs due to more teacher time, and increased transportation and utility costs among other factors, there is an overall increase in the projected deficit of $2,216. Increases and additions of Alberta Education grants have allowed for increased staffing, as well as services and supplies to support students. Specialized support needs rising The number of students in classrooms that require specialized support is continuing to increase, according to the Student Experiences Combined Accountability Report. It was noted that almost half the students in Prairie Rose meet the criteria for an Alberta Education Special Education Code, though it was explained that many of these are to indicate ESL or FNMI students. The Student Experiences Team says it is grateful to be able to ensure good outcomes for students regardless of possible support needs due to the hard work of teachers to get the necessary information to accommodate students. A mid-year increase in funding to the specialized support services was well received, the report said, as they worked to provide programming for complex students, and collaborative support for teachers and educational assistants. Flight academy U.S. trip approved Members of the Dave Rozdeba South Alberta Flight Academy have been approved for an out-of-country field trip to Washington, D.C.. The trip will take place April 17-24 next year, and focuses on touring several different museums in the area, with a focus on aviation and flight, including a bike monument tour. Included will be some former grads on the academy. The trip was approved as presented, with a comment from trustees that they would like to see some of these trips abroad return to a meeting to present what was gained from the excursion. 15-14
