Budget Process

Each year, the Board of Education seeks input from education partners, staff, students, families, and the broader community to help inform budget priorities. 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 moved-up the timing of engagement opportunities and budget input earlier in the school year. This approach reflected 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 icreated 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 was 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 included 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 were 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, staff, students, parents/caregivers, and members of community shared feedback via surveys.

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

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	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 at 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)