Delta School District officials have reported they are facing a budget shortfall of $3.49 million for the 2011/12 school year.
To make up the difference, the district has proposed cutting 12 teaching positions and 6.83 support staff.
"Given prior years' reductions, it is increasingly more difficult for the district to minimize reductions which do not have an impact on the classroom," district secretary treasurer Joe Strain said in a press release.
The district also plans to tap into its reserve for $670,000 in order to submit a balanced budget to the province as mandated by the School Act.
Strain said pension and other benefit increases, reduced availability of investment income, and inflationary pressures on supply costs are among the factors contributing to the shortfall.
"While the Ministry of Education's per-student funding amount for the coming year has slightly increased, it is not sufficient to keep pace with rising costs," he said.
Strain added Delta's student population is projected to decline again this coming school year, although the decrease is expected to be somewhat offset by the introduction of full day kindergarten to all B.C. elementary schools.
In the press release, Delta school board chair Dale Saip said he is concerned the district is facing the same challenges as in previous years.
"I will personally be urging the Minister of Education to address the systemic funding issues that put us in the same position year after year," he said.
A public meeting on the budget is planned for April 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Delta School District board office (4585 Harvest Drive).