Budgets

There is never enough funding in public education. The scope of work facing people in our schools, combined with changing demographics and increasingly complex needs of students, makes the work challenging. Budgets are tight, and the past two years have required some difficult choices. Classroom teachers and support staff need to be protected. As a Board, it is our responsibility to do that within a defined pot of money, while continuing to advocate for the additional funding government has already recognized is needed to address the day-to-day challenges in our classrooms and schools.​​​Public input is important and valued.  At the Board's request, changes were made to the preliminary budget process this year to seek earlier and more input from educational partners and the general public. ​​​​​​​​​​

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Elementary Band Program​​​​ Funding 

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The proposed change to the Elementary Band Program was particularly heartbreaking for the students and families involved. This was a much loved program providing an opportunity to begin instrumental instruction for around 200 in grade 6 and 7 students each year. It is importa  uFor the 2025/2026 budget, after hearing (literally) the passion of the students, families, staff and community members, the Board voted to postpone the funding cut for one year to give advocates an opportunity to find other ways to deliver instrumental music learning to grade 6 and 7 students. The Superintendent's update at the September 23, 2026 Public Meeting reported that ​​That said, we also need to continually examine how the district is organized and where savings can be found. The recent reorganization of the senior leadership team resulted in approximately $260,000 in annual recurring savings, while reducing the staff conference budget created another $21,000 in ongoing annual savings.