| A special meeting of the Board was held this afternoon (Tuesday, November 30) when members heard that the potential shortfall in the proposed budget for
education in Northern Ireland for the next three years could have extremely serious consequences.
A spokesperson for the SELB said: "The SELB’s financial target is to remain within budget for the year to March 31, 2005, and the Board expects to meet this target.
"However, the special meeting was arranged after Board members were told on November 18 that the SELB will be facing an estimated £28million shortfall of funding from the Department of Education over the 2005-2008 period.
"Board members considered the first draft of its response to the Government’s proposals for Northern Ireland Draft Priorities and Budget - 2005-08. A final paper will be presented to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister by December 7.
"Board officers have identified that there could be significant shortfalls in funding requirements for the SELB. Officers outlined to members how a total of £67m in the present financial year, which was not delegated to schools, was allocated. This funding includes costs arising out of special education provision, pupil transport, school meals, landlord maintenance, classroom assistants, teacher substitution, headquarters and school rates.
"Based on the Draft Priorities and Budget - 2005-08, a shortfall of £6m for 2005-06 is projected if these services are to be maintained in real terms. The projected shortfall in subsequent years is £10million for 2006-07 and £12m for 2007-08.
"Services which may be affected if sufficient funds are not allocated include: Catering, Transport, Headquarters, Curriculum Advisory and Support Service (CASS), Resource Centres, Music Service, Special Education, School Library provision, Maintenance."
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