2026–2027 Preliminary Budget Process

Comox Valley Schools is beginning the development of its 2026–2027 preliminary operating budget, guided by the Board of Education’s Strategic Plan, values, and legislative responsibilities.

Each year, the Board of Education seeks input from education partners, staff, students, families, and the broader community to help inform budget priorities. This year consultations will occur earlier in the year.

The Board is currently planning for the next school year, which includes:

• Setting priorities for the delivery of student learning
• Projecting student enrolment
• Projecting the costs of providing the existing services into the next year (salaries, benefits, utilities, inflation, etc.)
• Determining which costs will change
• Projecting revenues (international student fees, rental fees, interest revenue, Ministry grants, etc.)
• Identifying strategies and options to address the net budget position (projected revenues less projected expenditures)
• Reviewing the budget against the Board’s strategic priorities
• Finalizing decisions

Earlier Engagement in 2026–2027

For the 2026–2027 budget cycle, Comox Valley Schools is advancing the timing of engagement opportunities and budget input earlier in the school year. This approach reflects feedback from partners and a continued commitment to honouring district values by aligning resources with priorities identified through consultation.

By starting engagement earlier, the district is creating space for more robust collaboration and a shared deeper understanding of the financial context shaping budget decisions, strengthening transparency and collective stewardship.

Engagement Process

Engagement is a key component of Comox Valley Schools’ budget development process. The district is committed to respectful, inclusive, and ongoing dialogue with education rights-holders, partners, and school community throughout the preliminary budget cycle.

Engagement methods include presentations, meetings, facilitated discussions, surveys, written submissions, and information sharing throughout the process.

As part of the 2026–2027 preliminary budget process in-person engagement opportunities are being provided to the following groups and rightsholders:

• Indigenous Education Council

• District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC)
• Student Voice
• Comox District Teachers’ Association (CDTA)
• CUPE Local 439

• Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
• Principals and Vice Principals

Public Budget Input Survey

To support broad participation, we are asking staff, students, parents/caregivers, and members of community to share feedback about their preferred priorities that are in alignment with the Strategic Plan for the board to consider while developing the budget for the 2026-2027 school year.

Public Survey Link Here (Survey open from February 2 until February 20th)

Feedback collected through these surveys will be compiled and shared with the Board of Education as part of the preliminary budget review process.

All feedback received through the surveys and consultation meetings will be summarized and shared with the Board at the March 10^th Public Engagement Session. Members of the public are invited to attend these meetings. Further engagement will take place at Committee of the Whole and Public Board Meetings through spring until May.

Budget Process Timeline

The Board approved the following budget development timeline for the 2026-2027 school year at their Board meeting on November 25, 2026:

November 4	Financial Literacy Session Board Working Session
November 18	Budget Process Overview and Guiding Principles Public Engagement Session Budget Overview Presentation
February 2 – March 2	Public/Partner Budget Consultation Public/Partner Budget Consultation process for 26-27 will include surveys, which will be advertised, posted on the district website, and shared through social media. Special meetings with partners, rightsholders and student voice will be scheduled and held during the months of February and early March.
March 10	Provide Feedback from Public/Partner Engagement and Consultation Public Engagement Session
March 20	Anticipated Preliminary Operating Grant Announcement
March 23 – April 6	Spring Break
April 28	Preliminary 2026-27 Operating Grant Revenue Implications Regular Board Meeting
May 12	Annual 2026-27 Operating Budget Position Review Committee of the Whole
May 13-19	Public/Partner Budget Consultation Cont’d Opportunity for further engagement with Partner groups as needed. Ongoing work and adjustments by management team to refine budget options and ensure that priorities connect to the district’s strategic plan and adhere to Ministry policy and guidelines.
May 26	Provide Further Feedback from Public/Partners and Final Draft 2026/27 Budget Report Regular Board Meeting
June 23	Adoption 2026-27 Annual Budget Bylaw Review of Anticipated Proposed Surplus Restrictions Receipt of Draft Multi Year Financial Plan (Due in September) Regular Board Meeting

If the District is anticipating a year end operating surplus this will be communicated through quarterly financial updates at public board meetings in April and June. Feedback received through consultation during the budget process will be considered when determining how the surplus will be used to support the Board’s Strategic Priorities and operational priorities prior to approving the allocations in August each year.

Timeline Updates and Board Review

Key dates, survey timelines, and Board consideration milestones will be posted on this page as they are confirmed. The Board of Education will review feedback and preliminary budget information as part of its public meetings before approving the final budget. As reports and presentations become available, they will be posted on the webpage in addition to public Board and Committee of the Whole agendas.

The Board of Education of School District No. 71 (Comox Valley) is accountable for the public funds that support the school district. One of the Board’s responsibilities is the adoption of the budget. Boards of Education operate on a fiscal year of July 1^st to June 30^th. For 2026-2027, Section 113 of the School Act requires Boards to prepare an annual budget and have it adopted by bylaw and submitted to the Ministry of Education by June 30, 2026.