The Foothills School Division presented its proposed budget for the 2017-2018 school year to the trustees at their regular meeting Wednesday, June 21.

Nailing it down for next year has been a bit of a challenge, with all the changes the Provincial Government has put in place.

Drew Chipman, assistant superintendent of corporate services said it has been a lot of work in a short period of time.

"At the end of the day some of those changes are going to benefit families in Foothills School Division," said Chipman. "So from that perspective I think that it is certainly beneficial. It has been a lot to get to this point."

The budget is almost 93 and a half million dollars, up just under $700,000. from last year. The budget will be finalized in the fall,

The division is using one point five million to two million dollars a year, over the next two to three years, from reserves in their budget planning to reduce the amount of money they have sitting in reserve funds.

A couple of examples of what they are spending the money on include funding $200,000 for five years for the classroom program improvement fund.

They also added an additional $1,200,000 for a bigger gym for the new Okotoks school.

Chipman also had some good news and maybe a bit of bad news about school fees for next year.

The Provincial Government is kicking in $648,000 to help off-set the fees.

So there will be no common fees, or book rentals, in 2017- 2018 which will save parents $75 to $80 per student.

"I think some parents believe that there's no fees coming forward. That is not what this government did. It is important to note that the government has said this is step one and there will be additional work and consultation about fees going forward."

The budget still calls for $2,700,000 in school generated fees, down from $3,300,000 last year.

Some of the budget highlights include:

* The budget considerations included deliberations to reflect the board priorities outlined in the three year plan.
* Focus on achieving student excellence.
* A zero per cent increase in most provincial funding.
* Significant changes to school fees with the province contributing $648,000.
* Nutritional program funding of $141,000.
* Foothills School Division has 7,991 students.
* Support staff are at the same hours and days as the current school year.

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