Greater Victoria School District Faces $3.5 Million Deficit

The Greater Victoria School District (SD61) is confronting a projected shortfall of $3.5 million for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. This financial challenge comes as the district grapples with strict regulations that prohibit running deficits. According to Sherri Bell, the trustee appointed by the B.C. government, significant cuts or innovative savings will be necessary to address this budget gap.

At a school board meeting on November 24, Bell emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I’ve started to really dig in at where we can make savings, because we are looking at a substantial deficit.” The need for cuts has raised concerns among educators and community members, particularly regarding the potential impact on programs and services.

Carolyn Howe, president of the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association, highlighted the typical areas at risk, noting that extra programs not specified in collective agreements are often on the chopping block. “That’s a lot of cuts,” she remarked, expressing worry over the future of music education and support services in the district.

The repercussions of budget cuts are already being felt. The Moss Street Market, which utilizes the Sir James Douglas School for its winter farmers’ market, has encountered difficulties due to staffing shortages. With custodians already cut from the budget, executive director Kyle Goulet reported that there was no custodian available for several scheduled market dates.

The school district found a temporary solution by shifting some market activities outdoors and securing volunteer custodians to cover essential dates in December and January. “We are grateful to the Facilities Services Department staff for making this possible, especially as these dates occur during the district’s winter break,” SD61 stated.

The situation reflects broader challenges within the district, particularly after the dismissal of all nine trustees by Education Minister Lisa Beare. This decision stemmed from disagreements over student safety protocols, specifically regarding police liaison officers in schools. Following this, Bell was appointed as the sole trustee, a move that has raised concerns about representation and decision-making processes within the district.

Howe criticized the lack of diverse input, stating, “One trustee doesn’t have that same pressure. In fact, she’s responsible to answer to someone different, the provincial government, not the electorate.” The education minister retains the authority to appoint additional trustees, though a ministry spokesperson noted that a general trustee election is scheduled for September 2026 during the regular municipal election cycle.

As the Greater Victoria School District works to navigate this financial crisis, stakeholders are left to ponder the future of educational programs and the overall impact on the community. The upcoming months will be crucial as the district seeks solutions to address the projected deficit while maintaining essential services for students and families.