School District 60 invites public to 2024-2025 annual budget presentation

School District 60 is looking for public feedback for its upcoming budget for the 2024-25 school year.

The board invites the public to attend their budget presentation on May 7th at 5:30 p.m. at the board offices at 10112 105th Avenue in Fort St. John to provide more feedback and to learn about the budget process.

The district also released an online survey in March for feedback. The input from the public will help the board decide on priorities in different areas, such as including new programs or allocating money for staff, technology, and facilities.

“The survey is one of our ways to receive input from our stakeholders,” said SD60 Secretary-Treasurer Angela Telford.

“We hope to have constructive dialogues around how the district allocates funds and provide transparency.”

According to Telford, this year's budget priorities will be similar to previous years, with an increased focus on numeracy and literacy.

Telford says there will be a three per cent increase across the board per the staff union contract, as well as an adjustment for benefit increases and the inflation rate.

She says the meeting will allow residents to hear about the budget preparation process and gain insight into how school districts are funded. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Putting the finishing touches on the budget will allow the district to align it with its strategic plan, set to be released by the end of the school year.

The budget presentation will take place Tuesday at the School District 60 board office.

For more information and to take the survey, click here.

Edward Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Energeticcity.ca