SD43 grants aren't keeping up. It needs help for the next budget

Do kids have enough help in school to master the core subjects?

Are teachers supported if they feel overwhelmed with work?

And do staff have the right equipment and training to do the job?

These are questions top of mind for trustees in School District 43 (SD43) who are now reaching out on 2025–26 budget.

Today, Dec. 10, the board of education emailed parents about how they can give feedback on the next financial plan, using Directions 2025 as a framework for goals and objectives that, for the most part, centre around technology and social engagement:

• achieve student success
• develop the educated citizen
• foster a sustainable educational organization

In its recently published Budget Consultation Guide for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, the district is calling for input in advance of its first budget meeting on Feb. 18, 2025, to shape the draft document and put priorities forward for learning.

For this fiscal year of 2024–25, SD43 received a $369-million operating grant from B.C.’s Ministry of Education and Child Care — funding from the province that “has not kept up with rising costs despite increased per student funding” of $8,915, the guide states.

“Inflation continues to create financial pressure and the province has not adequately provided additional funding to offset increased costs in all areas. Hydroelectricity, gas and health benefits have all increased, with school boards funding most of these inflationary and new program costs.”

As well, the board notes in its guide, the ministry continues to download on school boards for capital projects that it used to fund.

And, while SD43 has higher enrolment, the district states it gets penalized to support other B.C. school districts with declining enrolment because the ministry offers funding protection to them.

As a result, when comparing total funding allocations, “SD43 has historically ranked in the bottom 10 for per-student funding levels among the 60 school districts in the province,” the board states.

Here’s SD43’s schedule for the 2025–26 budget:

• Feb. 18, 2025
  • special public board meeting
    • input into the budget process
• April 15, 2025
  • public board meeting
    • presentation of 2025–26 draft budget
• April 22, 2025
  • special public board meeting
    • budget feedback
• April 29, 2025
  • public board meeting
    • final budget presentation and board approval

Questions will be taken at each of the meetings.

To have your say in School District 43’s 2025–26 budget process, you can email [email protected].

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