The School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) Board of Education approved the 2025–2026 Amended Annual Budget on February 10. The amended budget reflects financial stability, careful planning, and continued investment in students and classrooms.
The amended budget updates the district’s financial plan to reflect actual enrolment, confirmed funding, and approved carryforwards from the previous year. It builds on decisions made in earlier budgets and supports the delivery of expanded instructional and student support services while maintaining healthy reserves.
The amended budget totals $87.6 million which is an increase of $2.4 million compared to the 2025-2026 Annual Budget prior to amendments. This increase reflects $0.3 million in additional expenditures in the Operating Fund, $1.9 million in the Special Purpose Funds, and $0.2 million in the Capital Fund.
“This amended budget reflects stability and predictability for our district. It is the result of Board decisions made over several years and the district’s disciplined approach to financial planning. We are using public funds as intended, investing directly in students and schools, and ensuring the district remains on solid financial footing,” said SD8 Board Chair Susan Chew.
The amended budget includes increased instructional spending, growth in special purpose funding for student nutrition, and a reduction in district administrative costs. Instruction continues to account for most district spending, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to student learning and the district’s strategic plan priorities.
“Budgets are the result of careful analysis, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how our schools operate. I want to acknowledge the professionalism and expertise of our school- and district-based staff who have worked to implement a budget that supports students while remaining responsible and sustainable, which in turn allowed the Board to do its job of setting district financial priorities and direction,” said SD8 Superintendent Trish Smillie.
The district’s unrestricted surplus remains within Board approved targets, providing stability while allowing the district to respond to changing needs.
Budget planning for the 2026–2027 school year will begin with a public budget survey in March, providing an opportunity for students, families, staff, and community members to share input on district priorities. The Board of Education will consider this feedback alongside enrolment projections and funding information as part of its budget deliberations throughout the spring. The final 2026–2027 annual budget will go to the Board for approval in June.