The Garden Valley School Division is reporting a $870,000 surplus this year.

Added enrollment plus a number of categories coming under budget created the unexpected windfall. However, the money will help keep up with the costs of growth including new teaching positions and bus routes.

"It all gets moved around to where those needs are for students so staff can do the job of educating our children," Board Chair Laurie Dyck says.

She notes they're thankful for the healthy financial footing, allowing for the addition of a new teacher at Emerado Centennial School, and two half-time positions: one at Plum Coulee and another within Winkler Elementary School.

The division will also be allocating $300,000 to a New School Capital Reserve in anticipation of the 2019 Pineridge school build.

"We know we need to put money into a new school," Dyck says, adding they've learned of hidden costs from their experience of building new schools in the past.

As well, the board has earmarked $550,000 in the Bus Reserve Fund.

"Our people that run bus maintenance, they're phenomenal, they can keep buses on the road for a long time... but the reality is buses need replacing," Dyck explains.

A school bus can cost upwards of $100,000.

With an additional school coming, bus routes are also expected to be added.

Related article: "GVSD Makes Adjustments To Accommodate For Enrolment Spike"