Budget Communication to MHCBE Families
Posted on Mar 6, 2020
March 6, 2020
Dear MHCBE Families:
As Superintendent of the division, I feel that it is my responsibility to address a few questions about the current Alberta budget that was released last Thursday. I am sure you are aware that we have a preliminary budget at this time, but it is too early to report on the exact necessary changes regarding the new funding allocation as we must unpack the new funding manual to understand how the schools will be impacted directly. In the past we received core grants, but the grants are now amalgamated into larger envelopes and as we move forward, we will better understand how Alberta Education has arrived at the amounts of money allocated to us. We do know that the preliminary budget shows a reduction of $1.1 million dollars to the MHCBE compared to the 2018/2019 budget year.
So, what does this mean for your child? We will be working diligently to analyze and determine exactly how this budget will affect the division. I want you to personally understand that we are committed to providing the best education to the students we serve, and this will not change. We will also continue to focus on supporting staff throughout this transition. MHCBE has a long-standing reputation for providing the highest quality of education in Medicine Hat. Our students provide exemplary examples of why our system works so well and I could not be prouder of all of the initiatives in the system. I have always maintained that the best part of Catholic Education is having a family centered environment and now is the time that we will prove it. We must work together to generate ideas and explore opportunities as we move forward this year. Please note that we are committed to minimizing the impact of funding shortfall in the classroom and we will examine all other budget areas as our first step in addressing the new funding regime. As we move forward with decision making, I will be sure to inform our stakeholders as much as I can.
Thank you for your trust in our work as we know that your level of commitment to education is as important to you as it is to us. In the next few weeks I ask for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, or require clarification as decisions are being released, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Stay blessed!
Dwayne Zarichny
Superintendent of Schools
Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education