The Prince Rupert School District will be adding another $144,445 in spending to the 2011/2012 budget after discovering a larger than predicted surplus.
“There was $197,292 not yet allocated in the budget, but once the audit was complete we found the number was actually $370,791. Our recommendation is to $144,445 of the surplus now, which will leave $226,346 for when the amended budget is approved in February,” explained secretary-treasurer Cam
McIntyre.
The biggest new expenditure is $60,000 for literary resources for students in grades four to grade eight, which superintendent Lynn Hauptman said was one area identified as missing. Another $40,000 will be used to bring the amount available for the Prince Rupert Middle School Library up to $50,000, which Hauptman said was requested “because they’re essentially starting a new library”.
Another $40,000 has been earmarked for a project that will allow grade six students easier access to the internet and computer technology called the “one to one computers” program.
“The intent is for every kid entering the middle school to be assigned a netbook that stays with them for the three years of middle school. After three years the school district can turn them over to the student to take with them to high school,” explained the district’s of information technology Tim Dressel.
“It doesn’t mean the students will use the laptops all the time, it means as the teacher instructs them students can have the technology available and won’t have to run to the lockers to get it.”
The remaining $4,445 will go toward noon hour supervision at Pacific Coast School.