The School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) Board of Education passed its 2025/26 Annual Budget Bylaw unanimously after holding all three readings at its regular public meeting Tuesday, April 29. The budget totals nearly $522M.
The budget process included an early input session February 18, a presentation of the preliminary budget April 15, an opportunity for public input on April 22, and the final budget presentation and approval on April 29. The explicit theme expressed by the Board of Education throughout the process has been 'you talk, we listen'.
The strategic goals and objectives of the Board of Education are set out in the Directions 2025 document which clearly outlines three main goals: Achieve Student Success, Enhance Learning Through Technology and Foster a Sustainable Educational Organization.
The 2025/26 budget process considered the diverse interests of SD43's many partner groups and each consideration had to be carefully weighed to limit uncertainty as inflation and external cost pressures continue to challenge the district. Decisions have had to be made to limit the impact of grant underfunding while maintaining supports for vulnerable students and maximizing resources for student success.
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) has a history of success and student achievement levels continue to be among the top in Metro Vancouver and the Province. Teaching excellence, strategic leadership and sound financial decisions are all contributing factors toward these positive outcomes.
Board Chair Michael Thomas thanked Secretary-Treasurer Randy Manhas, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Nita Mikl, and their staff for their exceptional efforts in preparing the 2025/26 budget and said, “The Board of Education remains committed to financial transparency and responsible financial stewardship to maintain a stable, predictable, and world-class education system that supports learners, employees, and our community."
Referring to the budget process, Superintendent Nadine Tambellini emphasized the importance of the close relationships between the board and partner groups, “throughout the budget process, the board of education has listened to the Coquitlam Teachers' Association, CUPE 561, the Coquitlam Principals' and Vice-Principals' Association, and the District Parents' Advisory Council. The board may take pride in passing a budget that is both responsive and sustainable, which leaves our district in an enviable position – both financially stable and yielding positive student outcomes."
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) is the third largest in B.C. with approximately 32,000 students in 71 schools and serves the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, as well as the villages of Anmore and Belcarra.
