The Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board has approved its 42 million dollar budget.
Trustees with the Bruce Grey Catholic Board say provincial funding constraints and declining enrolment made this one of the most challenging budgets in recent years.
Superintendent of Business Cathy Colton says a 300 thousand dollar shortfall forced the Board to make some tough decisions in order to balance the 42 million dollar budget.
To offset the shortfall, Colton notes they took a little bit from a lot of places.
That resulted in cuts to textbooks, classroom computers, student transportation and staff professional development.
Colton says they tried to ensure the cuts would have as little impact as possible on the classroom — but he admits some will still be felt at some level.
Colton fears this tight budget foreshadows what is to come over the next few years.
She says as the Ministry of Education tightens its belt during these tough economic times — so too will school boards.
Overall the Bruce Grey Catholic Board experienced a 2.2 per cent decrease in enrolment this year — that works out to be 79 fewer pupils.
The 42 million dollar budget represents a 5.4 per cent increase over the last fiscal year.