Prairie Rose Public School trustees approve the budget for 2026-27 during special meeting

Additional student supports are also planned, including a new behavioural teacher and an increase to the student wellness counsellor program, which will grow to 10.1 full-time equivalent positions.

Staffing levels will rise across the division, with the basic teacher allocation increasing by 12.7 full-time equivalent positions and support staff hours increasing by 518 hours per week, equivalent to about 17 full-time positions.

The budget accounts for three per cent salary increases for teachers and support staff, along with higher benefit costs.

While the division projects a decrease of 31.5 funded students compared with the actual 2025-26 enrolment figures, enrolment is expected to be higher than anticipated in last year’s budget, resulting in the overall funding increase.

Transportation funding is projected to increase by more than $1 million due to higher ridership and fuel subsidies.

The division says it is receiving a fuel subsidy grant as fuel costs remain elevated, helping offset transportation expenses.

One bus route will be added, bringing the total to 87, and 69 routes will be operated directly after the purchase of seven additional buses.

The transportation budget projects a deficit of about $203,000, an improvement from the more than $500,000 deficit budgeted for the current year.

Operating reserves are projected to sit at $3.79 million by Aug. 31, 2027, representing about four per cent of total operating expenses, below Alberta Education’s six per cent reserve limit.

The budget was approved unanimously ahead of the regular board meeting scheduled for June 9.

by Jett Schwaier

Prairie Rose Public School trustees approve the budget for 2026-27 during special meeting

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