Board of Education of School District 59 approves budget process for 2024-2025

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The School District 59 board has approved the process to develop its annual budget for 2024 to 2025.

Boards of education are required to submit annual balanced budgets to the Ministry of Education and Child Care for preliminary and amended budgets in June and February, respectively.

The ministry also requires the board to create three-year budget projections and consultation opportunities.

During a regular open board meeting on December 20th, 2023, the SD 59 board made plans to meet these requirements.

According to SD 59, while the board is planning next year’s budget, it is also developing the strategic plan for 2024 to 2028.

Superintendent Christy Fennell believes alignment between the budget and the strategic plan is vital.

“Running budget and strategic plan development in parallel allows the community to understand learning in our district and to really focus the board on its ongoing investment in goals and strategies that provide opportunities for success for all of our students,” Fennell said.

Board Chair Chad Anderson says he looks forward to the continued commitment to students while utilizing a new approach.

“Putting students at the centre of all we do as a board, we’re excited to provide opportunities to hear from our learning community, including students, about how investments are made in School District 59,” Anderson said.

“Implementing the three-year projection as a planning tool, the board will be better able to provide stability in the district while fulfilling the goals of our new strategic plan.”

SD 59 says the board and community will receive updates on the budget and financial modelling as it is developed, while final budget approval is expected on May 8th, 2024.

A combined strategic plan and budget meeting will be held on January 24th, 2024, following the regular open board meeting at the district office in Dawson Creek.

A student symposium is being planned for February 2024, as well as a public information feedback session after the April 24th, 2024, regular board meeting.

Invitations and more information on upcoming engagement opportunities are expected in the coming weeks.

The School District 60 board will be working on the same processes in the coming weeks.