At the Special Public Board Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, the Kamloops-Thompson Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 Annual Budget Bylaw. 

2026-2027 Budget Overview

The 2026-2027 Annual Budget Bylaw totals $255,959,364 and is comprised of three funds.

The Operating Fund is $211,304,250 and supports day-to-day district operations, including staffing, utilities, transportation, and classroom resources. 

The Special Purpose Fund is $32,940,091 and is funded by grants provided by the Ministry of Education and Child Care or other funders that can only be used for specific purposes, such as the Classroom Enhancement Fund, Learning Improvement Fund, CommunityLINK, and Feeding Futures. 

The Capital Fund is $11,715,023 and supports facility maintenance projects and long-term infrastructure, including major projects such as Sníne Elementary.

Enrolment and Revenue Considerations

The 2026-2027 budget is based on projected enrolment of 15,985 domestic student FTEs and 180 international student FTEs, reflecting a modest enrolment decline of 166 FTE compared to the 2025-2026 school year. Despite this decline, the budget continues to prioritize stability in programs, services, and supports for students.  

The Ministry of Education and Child Care’s funding announcement does not include increases to per student funding rates for 2026-2027 but does commit to fully funded negotiated salary increases 

Budget Development and Consultation

The 2026–2027 budget was developed through multiple rounds of consultation with the Indigenous Education Council, Kamloops Thompson Principals and Vice Principals Association, Kamloops Thompson Teachers Association, CUPE Local 3500, District Parent Advisory Council, Board, and senior leadership. 

Public budget feedback was accepted through schools, email, mail, and two online public engagement sessions. Thirty-one written budget feedback submission were received, with key themes including early learning and child care, library and science assistants supports, inclusive education and counselling, aging facilities and maintenance considerations, school level investments, PAC supports, and executive salaries.   

This feedback informed multiple iterative drafts of the budget shared throughout the process.

Additional Investments in Learning   

Consultation feedback and priorities are reflected in targeted staffing increases, including Inclusive Education, Counselling, Certified Education Assistants, and custodial services, to support equity, safety, and student well being and in alignment with the Strategic Plan.

Additional investments include partial restoration of department supports, school supply budget allocations, additional custodians for schools with Before and After School Care programs, utilities increases, international student allocations for secondary schools, as well as increased benefit costs, inflationary pressures, and WorkSafeBC compliance costs. 

Assumptions and Risks

The budget is based on assumptions related to enrolment projections, provincial funding commitments, negotiated salary and benefit increases, and interest revenue. Identified risks will be actively monitored throughout the year, with flexibility supported through operating contingencies and projected surplus.

The Board of Education extends its thanks to staff, employee partner groups, community members, and partners who contributed to the 2026–2027 budget process. The Board and District remain committed to prioritizing classroom learning, student needs, and supporting learning opportunities and environments that allow students to thrive.