Inuvik (Feb 23/04) - The Beaufort Delta region will see 20 fewer full-time positions next year.

That's the result of the Beaufort Delta Education Council first cut to its $22 million budget in more than four years.

A combination of 77 fewer students and the completion of the three-year funding for the K-1 Initiative led to cutting the positions for the 2004/2005 school year.

Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk schools will be hit hardest. Aklavik's Moose Kerr school will loose 4.5 full-time teaching positions and Tuktoyaktuk's Mangilaluk school could loose 3.6 full-time positions.

"It's going to be a tight year," said Dan Hemming, the district's financial controller after the announcement was made during the Feb. 19 council meeting.

Twelve teaching jobs will be lost with the end of a three-year, $3.6 million K-1 Initiative .

Eight teachings jobs will be cut due to the decline in enrolment, said Hemming.

There are 125 teaching jobs in the Delta this year and 1,656.5 students.

While Sir Alexander Mackenzie school in Inuvik has seen a slight increase in its student population, most Delta schools are on a downward slope, said Hemming.

Aklavik's Moose Kerr school saw a 17 per cent decrease in students since 2003. Sachs Harbour had a 28.8 per cent decrease. Schools are paid per student.

"What this means is less funding," said Hemming. "Next year looks grim."

Some families, especially those from Aklavik and Tuktoyaktuk, have moved to Inuvik over the past year, causing the decline, said Hemming.

The Inuvik numbers have remained steady because of people returning south. The professionals who have moved up to replace those people don't have children, which leaves a gap for the new kids coming in from the communities, said Hemming.

"It's a blip," said Hemming. "It's unusual, but it will probably bounce back next year."

Deficit for next year

Next year's budget will also have to absorb a projected $800,000 deficit from this year. That cost doesn't include utilities, said Hemming.

"It's been a cold winter and it's taking a toll on our heating costs," said Hemming.

A final blow to the budget is the need to regenerate a legislated management surplus of at least $500,000. Over the past few years, the funds have dwindled down to about $130,000.

Hemming advised the DEAs to find an additional $328,000 in an already stressed budget.

District Education Authorities have until March 12 to submit their school's budgets to Hemming.

The BDEC fiscal year ends in June.