Government cuts revealed – David Finlayson speaks out

On February 8 the Province provided school boards with budget targets designed to put children and learning first while ensuring Nova Scotia continues on a path to living within its means by matching funding levels with the decline in student enrolment.

David Finlayson, Halifax Regional School Board Representative for District 7, shares his views:

Over the last couple of months the HRSB has remained silent regarding EMI and the province. The reasons for this were numerous. We didn’t want to be seen as “begging” for money or not willing to do our part to “get back to balance.” We also didn’t want to disturb teaching staff or administration with rumours. After being repeatedly slammed in the media by the government and various commentators, we felt the need to have our voice heard. I wanted to address a few of them here.

Surplus funds are not generally accessible to the Board. These are funds from school fundraisers, amortized capital projects such as new roofing and a small surplus that we have to keep as we cannot legally run a deficit. Therefore, we have to keep some money in surplus.

Our Board is excited to work with DOE and other board partners to ensure that we are delivering education in the best way moving forward. There are only so many attacks that we are willing to endure before we must say something.

For more information on David Finlayson visit his website at www.davidfinlayson.ca.