he Hanover School Division (HSD) Board of Trustees has released details on their recently approved 2019–20 budget. In spite of a provincial funding increase of 1.6 percent, as well as a $320,000 surplus from previous years, the board has had to be creative in the face of a budgetary squeeze.

“The Board worked diligently to find budget solutions that address enrollment growth during a time of fiscal challenge,” says an HSD news release.

The problem stems from the fact that the provincial funding increase only adds $761,400 to the coffers, but operational costs are expected to hit $2,986,000. Another $694,400 can be added through an increase in taxation, but that increase is capped at two percent. The result is a deficit of $1,530,200.

In order to help compensate for the coming shortfall, education tax levies will see a small rise this September. Property owners in the division can expect to see their education mill rate set at 15.17, up from last year. In dollars and cents, this will amount to approximately $2 more per house assessed at $250,000.

Even so, it’s not enough to cover an almost $3 million rise in operational costs for the coming school year. The new Niverville High School will be responsible for $550,100 of additional operating costs. As well, French education fees, paid out to other school divisions, went up by $511,100. Other increases are associated with enrollment growth, collective bargaining agreements, utilities, property insurance, IT infrastructure, and the addition of a reading clinician.

In order to meet provincial budget guidelines, the board will resort to expenditure cutbacks to the tune of $1.2 million and use $320,000 of surplus funds from previous years. Cuts will include $340,000 from bus replacement, $500,000 from school maintenance projects, and $370,200 from existing divisional programs and services.

The board’s goal was to ensure that a minimal impact would be seen in the area of classroom instruction.

“The 2019–20 budget reflects a commitment to excellence in education,” reads a statement from the division, “while ensuring Hanover School Division’s administrative costs are among the lowest in the province.”