Trustee reflects on 2024 school division budget
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/02/2024 (579 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As a new school trustee facing my first budget, I find myself at a crossroads, where fiscal responsibility meets the unwavering commitment to providing quality education for our students. The 2024 upcoming budget discussions will be both enlightening and very challenging, and I write to share my own reflections on this critical matter.
Firstly, we must take a look at the economic landscape here in Brandon. The aftershocks of the pandemic’s economic effects, coupled with what has become evident with past elected officials failing in their planning, displaying a lack of foresight and commitment to long-term strategies which together continue to ripple through our community. The recent 9.4 per cent property tax increase from city hall has raised eyebrows and concerns, adding a huge additional burden to families already grappling with the rapidly rising costs of living, weighing heavily on all of our abilities to make ends meet.
Yet, as a community, we must remain steadfast in our dedication to nurture young minds, foster growth and prepare our students for a future that demands adaptability, resilience and vast knowledge. Our schools are the crucibles where dreams take shape, where curiosity and critical thinking ignites, and play a pivotal role in shaping our future leaders. While the economic landscape requires careful line-by-line consideration, to compromise on the quality of education would be a disservice to our students and a betrayal of our collective responsibility.
Kirk Carr, shown being sworn in as Ward 1 school trustee after last fall's byelection, will take part in his first budget deliberation as a trustee next week. (File)
As we approach the 2024 school division budget, I encourage my fellow trustees and members of the community as a whole to keep in mind the long-term impact that our decisions will have on the education and development of the students within our schools now and into the future. By prioritizing excellence and maintaining our commitment to quality education, we can navigate these challenges and ensure a brighter future for the children of Brandon while also respecting the pocketbooks of those who elected us.
We must accept the challenge.
KIRK CARR
Ward 1 Trustee
Brandon School Division