Budget Discussions Continue at Committee of the Whole
The 2025-26 Preliminary Budget was once again under discussion at the K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83 Committee of the Whole Meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
The budget bylaw will come to the Board for second and final reading at the Regular Board meeting taking place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the DESC (this meeting is also livestreamed).
Acting Secretary-Treasurer Jeremy Hunt reminded trustees that, based on the best information currently known, the District is projecting an enrolment decline of 113.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, along with a decrease of 20 FTE in categorized funding, which will result in approximately a $1.3 million funding shortfall.
The District explored cost savings across departments, and is recommending reductions to finance software, WCB contract services, electricity and energy due to conservation projects and projected lower costs, wellness initiatives, and administrative restructuring. This will result in an estimated savings of $725,165.
The presentation also outlined increased expenditures or continued support. These include a significant rise in employee benefit costs (over $500,000), increased administrative time at Salmon Arm Secondary due to increased enrolment, increased summer custodial hours, and reinstatement of the Transportation dispatch position. There is a slight cost difference associated with changing a Director position to a new Assistant Superintendent position; however, this change is being funded by the Quelmúcw Education Council. The budget also includes funding for an early childhood educator in Kindergarten classes..
Budget priorities, which have been identified through consultation at prior budget meetings as well as through a review of organizational needs, were once again reviewed. After discussions with senior leadership, at the budget advisory, the recommendation in the budget is to move forward with the position of District Principal of Learning Technology and Innovation as well as put funding towards athletic directors in secondary schools, so that these positions are in place for September start-up.
Hunt explained that, with upcoming retirements, the District needs to proactively prepare for change by establishing a succession plan and ensuring the transfer of corporate knowledge. Funding for athletic directors in secondary schools is intended to help manage workload demands.
Trustees generally expressed support for the recommendation, noting that other priorities may still be addressed during the amended budget process, once the results of the official student data collection at the end of September (known as 1701s) are available.
Trustee Amanda Krebs and Acting Secretary-Treasurer Hunt cautioned that some funding may need to be held until the District has a clearer picture of substitute costs.
Hunt also reviewed the capital budget, the capital reserve, and special purpose funds with the Board.
Following the conclusion of the Committee of the Whole meeting, a question and answer session on the budget was held for those who were in attendance.
MORE INFORMATION (POWERPOINT PRESENTATION)
MEETING RECORDING