BARRHEAD — The Alberta Distance Learning Centre (ADLC) is on track to achieve a significant surplus this operating year as it is no longer spending any money on developing online resources.
According to the financial statements for the time period from Sept. 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020, the Alberta Distance Learning Centre currently has an operating surplus of $865,378 after accumulating year-to-date revenue of $13.139 million and $12.274 million in expenses.
It should be noted that the ADLC originally expected to end the 2019-2020 year with an operating deficit of $165,000.
Secretary-treasurer Tracy Leigh said the ADLC originally budgeted $1 million for resource development, but has only spent $11,203 as of May 31.
Earlier this year, Pembina Hills was informed that the service agreement it had with the province to operate the ADLC would be terminated in two years.
Furthermore, the division was informed it would only receive $14 million in funding to operate the ADLC next year and $7 million the following year.
Since then, Pembina Hills trustees and administration has met with Alberta Education on several occasions to convince officials to change course, but there are no signs the province is planning to do so.
Trustee Kerry McElroy asked if the ADLC was no longer spending funds on resource development because of the meetings with the province.
Supt. Dave Garbutt indicated they had halted spending on resource development around December at the request of the province.
“We said we had not intended to do anything with resource development until you give us the green light,” Garbutt said, noting the ADLC could spend up to $50,000 per credit on resource development.
But while resource development has taken a back seat, it is worth noting the ADLC has spent $529,380 on resource maintenance this year.
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