CALGARY- Parents are getting a better idea of how much public school fees could go up, as the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) struggles with a funding shortfall.
At a budget meeting on Friday, the proposed 2014-15 operating budget was unveiled, which would see another $28.9 million go directly to schools, resulting in the addition of nearly 200 full time staff members. School support funding would increase by $17.2 million.
However, the CBE is facing increased costs for salaries and benefit increases. As a result, they’ve decided to pass additional costs onto parents.
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“While we know increasing fees may pose a hardship on families, we believe it is the right choice in a difficult budget year,” said Brad Grundy, CFO of the CBE, in a statement. “It’s important to know that no student will be denied access to an education due to the inability to pay fees, because the CBE has a comprehensive waiver program to support families who are experiencing financial difficulties.”
If the plan is approved, parents could soon see increases for instructional supplies and materials, transportation and noon supervision.
ISM fees
- Kindergarten: $15 (unchanged)
- Grades 1-6: $30 (unchanged)
- Grades 7-9: $137
- Grades 10-12: $152
Transportation fees:
- Kindergarten: $330
- Grades 1-9: $330
Noon supervision fees
- Four day: $250
- Four/five day: $270
- Five day: $280
The budget will go before the board of trustees on May 6, and would see final approval on May 20.
History of student fees:
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