School District 43 (Coquitlam) Board of Education Passes 2026/27 Budget
Coquitlam, BC (April 29, 2026) – The Board of Education of School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) unanimously approved the 2026/27 Annual Budget Bylaw at its regular public meeting held on Tuesday, April 28.
Development of the 2026/27 budget was guided by a comprehensive and transparent process that included an early public input session on February 17, presentation of the preliminary budget on April 14, an opportunity for additional public feedback on April 21, and a final presentation and approval on April 28. Throughout this process, the Board emphasized its commitment to meaningful engagement, guided by the principle of 'you talk, we listen.'
The budget reflects the Board of Education's strategic priorities as outlined in Directions 2025, which sets out three core goals: achieving student success, enhancing learning through technology, and fostering a sustainable educational organization.
In developing the budget, the Board carefully considered the diverse perspectives and needs of the district's many partner groups. Deliberations were shaped by ongoing inflationary pressures and rising external costs, requiring difficult decisions to mitigate the impacts of grant underfunding. Despite these challenges, the Board remained focused on maintaining critical supports for vulnerable students while maximizing available resources to support student learning and well-being.
School District 43 continues to demonstrate strong student achievement, with outcomes consistently ranking among the highest in Metro Vancouver and across the province. This success is supported by teaching excellence, strategic leadership, and sound financial management.
Board Chair Michael Thomas expressed appreciation to Secretary-Treasurer Nita Mikl, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Patricia Bigonzi, and their teams for their work in preparing the budget. “The Board of Education is committed to responsible financial stewardship and open, transparent decision-making," said Thomas. “This budget reflects our careful approach to balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain a stable, high-quality public education system that serves students, staff, and our communities now and into the future".
Superintendent Nadine Tambellini highlighted the value of collaboration during the budget process, noting the strong relationships between the Board and its partner groups. “This budget is the result of thoughtful collaboration and meaningful dialogue with our education partners and community," she said. “By listening carefully throughout the process, the Board has approved a financially sustainable budget that continues to support student success and positions the district well to meet both current and future needs."
School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) is the third-largest school district in British Columbia, serving approximately 32,000 students across 71 schools. The district serves the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra.
