School District 91 Announcement

Monday, February 15, 2010

On Monday, February 15, 2010, Mr. Ray LeMoigne, Superintendent of Schools, announced that the Board of Education has approved a plan to begin public consultations on $3.8 million dollars in budget reductions.

The Board of Education is facing an anticipated budget shortfall of approximately $3.5 million in the 2010/11

school year. This is part of a total shortfall of $4.0 to $5.0 million projected over the next two to three years.

The total budget reductions proposed by the Board, subject to public consultations, board policy, collective agreements and union consultation are:

Mr. LeMoigne commented that, "You can’t take $3.8 million out of the budget and not have an impact on programs, services and people. Our staff has worked hard to cut more that $1.8 million at the district level first, in order to minimize school level reductions. I hope that the public consultations are well attended."

The Board invites all stakeholders to take part in the preliminary budget consultation meetings outlined below. These will provide an opportunity for individuals to become better informed and to provide input into the planning process for the future of our children. The Board will also consult with the public regarding the proposed closures of Muriel Mould and Topley schools. No decisions on school closure or reconfiguration have been made and none will be made without public consultation. The earliest date the board could reach a decision is at its public meeting on Monday, April 19, 2010.

Board Vice-Chair, Shelley Strimbold said, "Considering closing schools has involved very difficult discussions. Nobody wants to close a school. We realize that schools are the hub and often the heart of a community. Financial constraints have forced us to reduce operational costs in order to continue providing quality education in Nechako Lakes School District."

Background information outlining budget considerations will be posted on the district website

For Further Information contact:

Ernie Mannering,

Director of Information Services,

emannering@sd91.bc.ca

Topley has declined to a student enrolment of 25 and declines are expected to continue.

The school has an operating capacity of 112.

Actual & Forecast Enrolment

To Decker Lake Elementary – Currently, the longest ride time to Topley is one hour. A new west-east Decker bus run keeps the longest ride to one hour. Students west of Topley will have the longest ride time.

To BESS – There is a temporary bus run from Topley to BESS.

Either Decker Lake Elementary School or Babine Elementary Secondary School could accommodate all Topley students.

Closing Topley should result in more single grade classrooms and fewer splits while it may increase class size.

Estimated Annual Closure Savings

Muriel Mould Primary School (MMP) has declined to a student enrolment of 119 and declines are expected to continue. The school has an operating capacity of 311.

MMP Enrolment 

WKE Enrolment *YearsStudents

Actual & Forecast Enrolment

There are significant outflows of students from this area to other schools in the district.

Space to accommodate all MMP students is available at William Konkin Elementary (WKE) which is on adjacent property. Should this happen WKE would become a k–7 dual track school.

Student time on the bus should remain unchanged.

$432,098 would be saved each year.