STAR Catholic approves 2016-2017 Operating Budget and Three-Year Education Plan

Leduc — St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools’ (STAR Catholic) Board of Trustees approved the Division’s 2016-2017 Operating Budget of just over $45 million at its Budget Review Board Meeting November 24, 2016.

The budget includes a transfer of nearly $1.2 million into internally restricted operating reserves to primarily cover programming aimed at supporting the classroom, including curriculum supports, learning coaches, new school start-up funding and additional backing for the divisional faith plan. The transfer leaves the Division with an unrestricted surplus of $719,464 which represents 1.6% of the Division’s overall budget and falls within the recommended range so as to enable the Board to respond appropriately to any unforeseen circumstances that may emerge.

“Our focus is students and our schools. As a Board we have recognized some of the present challenges and those on the horizon and this budget has taken those into account as we earmark operating reserve dollars to a variety of critical areas,” said Thalia Hibbs, Board Chair. “Setting out a timetable and the appropriate resources to meet these challenges aligns our board priorities with sound financial stewardship.”

The Board also approved its 2016-2019 Three Year Education Plan and 2015-2016 Annual Education Results Report, which are submitted to Alberta Education at the end of November.

“The Three Year Education Plan and Annual Education Results Report is really an indication of the tremendous journey STAR Catholic is on as a Division. It celebrates our successes, such as expansion of French Immersion programming, First Nations, Metis and Inuit learning partnerships, teacher mentorship and collaboration and of course the extensive consultation in developing our new Mission and Vision Statements. Meanwhile through our Board priorities of Growing Catholic Identity, Strengthening Student Learning and Wellbeing, and Supporting Staff Efficacy we chart our next steps as a Division,” said Hibbs.

STAR Catholic’s 2016-2017 Operating Budget, as well as the Combined 2016-2019 Three Year Education Plan and 2015-2016 Annual Education Results Report are available in the Division tab under Reports and Documents at www.starcatholic.ab.ca.