The School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) Board of Education unanimously approved its budget for the 2025-2026 school year at the May 13 board meeting.  

The budget for the next school year totals $85.1 million, a reduction of $1 million from the current year’s budget of $86.1 million due to 66 fewer students projected to attend 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. 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,” said Chair Dawn Lang.

For the coming school year, the district has found savings through a reduction of 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 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.

All B.C. school districts are required to approve a balanced budget by June 30. The SD8 budget focuses on educational resources for student achievement and success outlined in the district’s strategic plan as required by the provincially mandated Framework for Enhancing Student Learning.