The Rainy River District School Board will spend more than $66 million on the education of its students over the next school year.
That is an increase of about $2.5 million from the 24-25 year.
Superintendent of Business Megan Cox notes some of the increase is connected to additional spending on a new Autism Spectrum classroom at Robert Moore School.
“There’ll be specialized programming with a dedicated teacher, autism support workers and ESP (education support person) supports supporting our highest needs students there,” says Cox.
The budget also reflects an enrollment of 2,311, a decrease of 32.
Cox says much of the decrease is being seen in the primary grades.
“One area where we have seen a decrease in enrollment, and it is reflected in our ECE (early childhood education) staffing, is within our JKSK area,” says Cox.
“That’s something that we’re looking at bringing some thoughts to program and facility planning and finance committee going forward as a part of our program and facility review.”
The budget notes a loss of 2.27 full-time equivalent positions resulting from a reduction in the number of classes.
McCrosson-Tovell School will remain with one class of primary students, while classes for junior students will continue at Riverview School.
The change was implemented last year because a lack of staff.
Staffing at the board’s high schools in Fort Frances, Rainy River and Atikokan remains unchanged.
Cox says support for field trips and a late bus for students wanting to take part in extra-curricular activities in Fort Frances will also continue.
Student nutrition programs will be expanded with the help of a Fort Frances caterer who operates the cafeteria at Fort Frances High School.
Cox says affordable lunches will be made available to students at other Fort Frances schools three days a week.
