2026/2027 Budget Survey and Overview

Budget Development Overview

The Ministry of Education and Child Care requires Boards of Education to plan and report spending in alignment with their strategic plans. For Central Okanagan Public Schools, this means ensuring that every investment supports student learning, equity, system wellbeing, and the sustainability of our programs.

The budget is the culmination of presentations, consultation sessions, and collaborative discussion across our school system. The goal is to present a responsible, balanced budget that reflects the best educational decisions for students while meeting all legislative requirements.

Current Budget Context

Like many districts in British Columbia, Central Okanagan Public Schools continues to encounter inflationary pressures, capacity challenges, and increasingly complex student needs. Looking forward to the 2026/2027 school year, the District projects a decline in student enrolment and anticipates further budgetary constraints. These financial pressures stem from rising inflation, legislative requirements, and increased costs associated with benefits, utilities, insurance, software licensing, and other essential services. As district funding is allocated by the Ministry of Education and Child Care on a per pupil basis, it is crucial that the per pupil rates for 2026/2027 are appropriately adjusted to reflect these growing demands.

Public Engagement & 2026/2027 Budget Survey

Central Okanagan Public Schools values authentic input from our learning community.

The 2026/2027 Budget Survey is open from February 4 to March 4, 2026, inviting feedback from staff, partner groups, parents, students, and community members. Responses help the District understand which programs and services are community priorities, especially during times of fiscal pressure.

Click here to take the survey

Budget Guiding Principles

In accordance with the School Act, the District prepares a comprehensive budget plan each year. Guiding principles ensure that decisions are consistent, student‑centered, and aligned with District values:

• The student comes first.
• All allocations reflect the District’s Vision, Purpose, Cultural Values, Strategic Plan, and school‑level goals.
• Resources must be used effectively and responsibly.
• The annual budget must be balanced and meet all statutory requirements.

Board of Education Strategic Plan

The Board’s budget development principles work in tandem with the 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, which reinforces the four strategic directions that underpin budget priorities. These strategic directions guide how budget requests are evaluated and resources across the District.

Annual Budget Development Timeline

The following outlines the timeline for the development of the 2026/2027 Budget.

Additional Resources

For more information, please explore:

• 2026/2027 Budget Planning Presentation
• 2025/2026 Annual Budget
• 2024/2025 Financial Statements