The surplus soared from 250%

File Photo, Jean-François Desgagnés
The Federation of school boards would like to allocate more of the surplus to student services.

Patrick Bellerose

Monday, 19 march, 2018 00:00

UPDATE
Monday, 19 march, 2018 00:00

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The surplus into the coffers of the school boards have jumped 250% in two years, to over $ 141,4 million.

After years of deficits since 2012, the surplus is passed to$ 40.4 Million in 2015, and then to 69.3 M$ in 2016. As at 30 June last year, the surplus had exploded, reaching 141,4 M$.

The president of the Federation of school boards decreases, however, the amounts. “It is sure that it seems to be a big amount, recognizes Alain Fortier. But, at the same time, the budget of the public school, it is $ 11 billion. “

“I would say that it is good management, and not a lot of surplus “, he adds.

Elsewhere, the situation varies from one territory to another. The accumulated surplus reached a total of 405,7 Million$ in commissions for school in good financial shape, while those who write their financial statements in red ink, piling up a debt of 264,3 M$.

Asked to comment, the office of the minister of Education has pointed out that ” the fiscal surplus of school boards is explained mainly by an increase in revenues from goods and services “, including rental of rooms and other services tariffed by the school boards. These have generated some$ 55 Million in 2016-2017.

In addition, new collective agreements have resulted “in a significant decrease in costs related to employee future benefits,” wrote the press officer of the minister. The rest comes from gains on disposal of fixed assets.

Student Services

For its part, the Fédération des commissions scolaires asks the government of Quebec to allow its members to use the surplus in services to students. For the moment, the school board may only use 15 % of their budget surpluses.

“It is a historical position of the school boards : let us manage the public funds at the service of the most important aspect in Québec, the educational success of our students “, says Alain Fortier.

College of teachers

In another folder, Alain Fortier has commented on the idea of the creation of a college of teachers, mentioned in a book recently published by the minister Proulx.

“The Federation has a very mixed [on the subject],” says its president. If you want to work on the development of teachers, there are all sorts of other possible strategies. “

By the numbers

2015
2016
2017

Accumulated Surplus
309 345 390 $
347 625 010 $
405 789 491 $

Accumulated deficits
– 268 942 023 $
– 278 277 147 $
– 264 387 671 $

Total global
40 403 367 $
69 347 863 $
141 401 820 $