Rocky View Schools (RVS) is having to pull funds out of reserve to balance its budget for the 2025-26 school year.
On May 22, the RVS board of trustees approved a $344.5-million operating budget after drawing $1.4-million from reserves. It has maintained a reserve balance of one to two per cent, which is just above the mandated amount set by the government and is within RVS’ own guidelines for budget 2025/26.
With enrolment projected to climb by more than 500 students to over 29,500 in September, the budget prioritizes core areas including classroom staffing, student wellness, literacy, numeracy, and career learning, while keeping system administration lean at just 2.99 per cent of total spending.
“This budget is about ensuring every student in RVS has access to a world-class education,” said RVS board chair Fiona Gilbert in a news release. “We continue to stretch every dollar to provide the learning supports, facilities, and technology that students and staff need to succeed.”
Approximately 90 per cent of instructional funding will go directly to schools, supporting 1,430 teachers and administrators and maintaining class size guidelines amid growing classroom complexity and diversity.
The division is doubling down on literacy and numeracy, with dedicated school-based staff and specialists in English as an Additional Language and Indigenous learning. A team of 45 full-time professionals — including speech-language pathologists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, and learning specialists — will work alongside classroom teachers to support students with complex needs.
“Strong support for teachers is critical to strengthening student outcomes,” said Superintendent Greg Luterbach. “This budget continues vital investments in coaching, collaboration, and implementation of the new curriculum.”
RVS will maintain and expand diverse learning options, including online schools, dual credit programs, Building Futures, the Mechanics Training Centre and Community Learning Centres — part of the division’s push to prepare students for life beyond graduation.
“Preparing students to be future-ready is no longer optional — it’s essential,” said Gilbert. “This budget supports real-world, career-connected learning aligned with our education plan.”
Transportation costs will rise to $27.3 million due to enrolment growth, higher contractor rates, and 14 new bus routes. After holding fees steady for four years, the division will raise the annual transportation fee for Grades 1–12 students by $70, to $395, and introduce a half-time rate for kindergarten students. Early registration and family discounts remain in place.
Families are encouraged to register by June 30, 2025, to access the discounted rates.”
The approved budget will be submitted to Alberta Education and posted on the RVS website.