HPEDSB set to approve budget

The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board Trustees appear set to approve the 2025-26 budget.

On Monday evening, the Physical Planning, Finance, and Building Committee recommended the board of trustees approve the budget starting in the fall.

Board staff were able to balance the proposed budget of $260.5 million, which is up from $247 million last year.

The final vote was 4-1, with Trustee Rachel Prinzen voting against.

During the meeting Prinzen shared concerns about executive compensation.

There is a slight decrease of 255 students projected year over year.

Although the budget will be balanced (if approved by the board June 23), there is a $1.4 million deficit for the transportation line of the budget.

Approximately 80 per cent of the budget is earmarked for salaries, benefits, and pension, while the other 20 per cent covers the remaining costs associated with running the board.

Estimates for administration expenses have gone up $126,000 (8.46%), while instruction expenses are expected to be down $834,000 (0.46%).

Reporter Alana Cameron did a further breakdown of the budget last week, including an interview with Director of Education Katherine MacIver. You can find it by CLICKING HERE