Public input is being gathered for SD42’s 2026/27 proposed preliminary budget.
The proposed preliminary budget was presented to the board for a first reading on Wednesday, April 15, and feedback is now being gathered from the public, partner groups, and the Indigenous Education Council.
“This year’s budget reflects a challenging and increasingly uncertain fiscal context, requiring careful consideration of both immediate pressures and long-term sustainability,” said the district in the introduction to the proposed budget.
While the 2026/27 Operating Fund budget is balanced and supported by a modest structural surplus, the district said they will be facing increasing financial pressure in future years, including rising costs related to staffing, inflation, facilities, technology, and program delivery, which continue to outpace projected increases in provincial funding.
Although the district has experienced long-term enrolment growth, current projections indicate a short-term period of stabilization before a return to enrolment growth.
And, with provincial operating grants tied to student enrolment, there will be a significant impact on revenue, as other costs remain fixed or continue to increase despite enrolment trends.
The district is anticipating operating shortfalls around $1.60M in 2027/28 and $3.97M in 2028/29.
It is also facing increasing capital funding challenges, the report said.
“While most major capital projects are funded by the provincial government, many essential capital needs are not, including technology infrastructure, facility equipment and vehicles, temporary classrooms, and the renewal of non-school facilities,” it read, noting that without additional funding, the district might have to defer critical upgrades, slow replacement cycles, or reallocate resources from other priorities.
Taken altogether, the district said the 2026/27 Proposed Preliminary Budget reflects a balance between: maintaining core programs and services; addressing emerging priorities; and positioning the district to respond to anticipated financial challenges in future years.
In phase one of public engagement, the district heard from the Indigenous Education Council, Student Voice representatives, and partner groups like the Maple Ridge Teacher’s Association, Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 703, Maple Ridge Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association, and the District Parent Advisory Council, and the district leadership team.
Budget development began in September with review groups examining programs, structures, and strategies across the district
Anyone wanting to share their input about SD42’s proposed preliminary budget are welcome to starting at noon on Thursday, April 16.
Phase two of the public engagement survey will be open online until Wednesday, April 22.
There will also be an opportunity for individuals and partner groups to give input in person on April 22.
Partner group input will be held at 2 p.m. at the District Education Office, with up to three representatives from each of CUPE, MRTA, MRPVPA, and DPAC.
Public input can be provided at 5:30 p.m. at the Thomas Haney Secondary School rotunda.
Delegations, which may include one or more speakers, are asked to keep their remarks brief and focused, and within the five minutes allotted to each group.
Trustees may follow up with questions for clarity.
Individuals who would like to speak must register and submit any materials by email to: budget@sd42.ca no later than 9 a.m. on Monday, April 20.
All submissions will be considered public documents and may be posted on the district website.
Submissions must include the name and email address of the speaker(s), and the title and written explanation of the budget matter(s) to be addressed.
Final deliberations and the adoption of the 2026/27 preliminary budget will take place at the public board meeting on April 29, at which time the Final Public Engagement Summary will be presented.
To take the survey and read the Proposed Preliminary Budget go to: https://www.sd42.ca/announcement/survey-proposed-preliminary-budget-2026/.