Kootenay Lake School District 8 has approved its budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
The budget, which was approved at the May 13 board meeting, totals $85.1 million – $1 million less than it was for the 2024-2025 school year.
SD8 says the decrease is due to lower enrolment for next year, which will see 66 fewer students at SD8 schools next September.
“I am very pleased that we were able to pass a balanced budget that maintains educational and support staff for students and a continuing level of service that aligns with our strategic plan priorities,” said Chair Dawn Lang in a press release.
“Our district is very well managed financially, and the board continues to be committed to prioritizing student learning while finding savings where we can so that we can continue to operate at a very high level despite projected declining enrolment.”
The school district managed to find savings for the upcoming school year by reducing its services and supplies budgets, while continuing to support staffing and resources in schools and the classroom.
“These measures have helped to create a balanced budget while keeping an above-average level of teaching staff in classrooms and maintaining the same number of educational assistants despite lower projected enrolments for next year,” said Trish Smillie, Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer.
The budget focuses on educational resources for student achievement and success, as outlined in SD8’s strategic plan.
All B.C. school districts are required to approve a balanced budget by June 30.
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