School District 24/25 budget increased by 6/9%

25/26 operational budget projected to be 0.2% lower than 24/25 operations

Nicole Knowles

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

Mark Walsh, Secretary-Treasurer for Nanaimo Ladysmith public Schools presented the annual preliminary operating budget to the board of trustees on April 9.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care requires the district prepare an operational budget in advance of the upcoming school year based on estimated enrolments, revenues generated and expenses.

An amended budget is then prepared each February based on the actual enrolments for September and more current operational and funding levels as well as capital expenditures.

The amended budget for 2024/25 passed on February 26th was $232,710,984 – this was up 6.9% from the estimated preliminary budget of $218,450,984.

The operational portion of the budget was $189,120,207. The difference of $48,590,628 was allocated to capital expenses listed as: special purposes expenses, amortization of capital asset expense, and tangible capital assets purchased.

The difference of $7.9 million between the preliminary and amended budget shows the most significant increases as: additional staffing due to increased enrolment, additional salary cost due to a cost of living wage adjustment, escalating replacement cost for staff (substitutes), targeted expenses, and the cost associated with accumulated operating debt.

A report presented to the board of trustees noted that the district is in a solid financial position with the replacement costs of staff (substitutes) being a concern that is being monitored from a budgetary perspective.

The preliminary budget for 2025/26, although extremely tight, looks balanced says the report presented to the trustees. It shows an estimated operating budget for NLPS district of $188,926,404 based on estimated enrolment, revenues and expenses.

According to the report the budget directly focuses on the success of student learning, as well as enhanced student experiences and outcomes. A focus of student wellbeing is targeted with additional IST, counselling, supervision, Educational Assistants, and increased focus on priority learners.

It also addresses employee wellness, providing valuable mental heath tools, professional development days and other resources.