The Pembina Trails School Division 2013-14 budget contains a 2.5% net special levy (or $31) increase for typical homeowners in Charleswood, Tuxedo, Linden Woods, Whyte Ridge, Waverley Heights, Fort Garry, Fort Richmond, Richmond West, Fairfield Park, Bridgwater Forest, Bridgwater Lakes.

The PTSD board of trustees approved the budget at its March 13 meeting.

The division received an increase of 0.1% in provincial funding of schools, or approximately $80,000. However, other provincial government funding increased by 18.1%, or $490,000.
Division expenditures are expected to increase by 4.1%, to just over $148 million. In a prepared release, the PTSD said its budget was based on:

— a continuation of existing educational programs;

— continued support for the renewal, renovation and updating of school facilities;

— allocation of 82% of its operating budget to instructional programs and activities;

— a reduction of the Grade 4 Class Size Guideline from 31 to 29 students.

The budget also pledged increased support for infrastructure projects, compliance with the 20K3 class size cap, capital reserves for future school construction and school bus renewal.
For more details, see the PTSD website at: www.pembinatrails.ca.