Agreeing it was a tough thing to do, the Delta board of education Tuesday approved another series of budget cuts.
To help make up a $3.38 million shortfall, the board approved, among other items, reductions in special education assistants, reducing the allocation of teaching staff and eliminating secondary library technicians.
Chairperson Laura Dixon went over trustees' efforts for increased funding to cover costs, noting the district's budget committee had to work through some difficult decisions.
Saying the underfunding and hidden downloaded costs have left him despondent, trustee Nick Kanakos told the board Delta continues to be one of the most progressive districts in the province despite the challenge.
"The district did not receive any real significant increase from the provincial government this year. This budget is a reflection of the chronic underfunding that's occurred," he said.
"The budget committee had a very difficult process to work through. They are looking at a system that's already suffering from financial strain and we're trying to minimize the cuts as best we can. These decisions are not arrived at without intense consultation and consideration. My commitment as a trustee has been to always keep these cuts out of the classroom. It's getting to the point where we cannot do that," Kanakos added.
Noting the situation would be much worse without revenues from the International Student Program and Delta's academies, Fabian Milat said despite those successes, the district is also challenged to deal with some failures when it comes to at-risks students.
"I think as a trustee I have failed these kids over the years and I think it's disheartening because I know we have budget cuts and yet we cannot help some of these kids out
there. I want us to focus more on the academic results for all kids, but in particular the kids that are the most at risk," Milat said.
Rhiannon Bennett said the cuts they're forced to make will impact people's lives.
Val Windsor talked about how much the board has had to cut in the past few years, but noted Delta kids still receive a very good education.
Bruce Reid agreed, adding education funding should be a priority in next year's provincial election campaign.
Delta Teachers' Association president Paul Steer told the Optimist following Tuesday's meeting he wasn't clear on the answer he was given during the question period on exactly who is on the district's budget committee and how it functions, saying there appears to be a lack of public oversight and scrutiny.
