Community Budget Information Meeting—Q&A (Mar. 10, 2025)

On March 10, 2025, the Board of Trustees held a virtual Community Budget Information Meeting to discuss the draft budget with the community. Below you will find responses to the questions posed, as well as the PowerPoint presentation.

• What has the response been from MLAs when discussing underfunding and is there anything we can do by contacting them?

  The Board of Trustees have met with MLAs from the current government and the previous government, and the reactions have been similar across the board. There is an understanding and an acknowledgement that the funding model adversely impacts RETSD. Quality education hinges on ensuring that there's not too many students in classrooms and making sure that we have the teachers and educational assistants who provide an invaluable service to students.

  Reach out to your local MLA, the minister of education, and the premier, because this this the situation we're in as a division and it’s important for everyone to understand. The reality is RETSD is underfunded and enduring an inequitable funding model. It’s about ensuring that every child has a fair chance at a high-quality public education and every division should be properly funded and have the proper educational resources and supports.

• How much of an impact would an additional .2 per cent increase have on the overall budget and to local taxpayers?

  The board did not consider an additional 0.2 per cent increase. The increased expenses of $17.2M or 6.8% includes additional staffing (specifically teachers and EAs) for increased enrolment and 8 new buses. The increases cover the contractual requirements of the provincially bargained teacher’s collective agreement.

  Previously there was a 50 per cent tax credit, and calculating potential increases was easier. The new $1,500 cap has significant impact, depending on how much a principal residence is worth. So unfortunately, there isn't a magic number or rough formula that we can provide because of that new tax credit.

• What is the property education tax hike percentage wise before the $1,500 credit?

  The percentage increase prior to the $1,500 tax credit is 15.5 per cent, for the average home, however, this per cent changes drastically when the value of the home is considered. Last year on the average home, which was valued at $330,200, the tax increase was $1,784. This year the average home in RETSD is valued at $360,600 and the school taxes prior to the rebate is $2,060, an increase of $276.83 or 15.5 per cent.

  After the $1500 tax credit, the average homeowner in RETSD will pay $560, or $46.67 monthly, for education property taxes.