[Vancouver, B.C. – June 25, 2026] — The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) today released its 2027 Budget Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, a comprehensive advocacy document setting out the association and its members’ priorities for provincial investment in public education ahead of the next budget cycle.
Developed in response to priorities identified by school trustees across the province and informed by motions approved at the BCSTA Annual General Meeting 2026, the submission calls on government to increase non-targeted K–12 funding so that boards of education have greater autonomy over how resources are allocated and support critical areas, including early childhood education to foster equitable and high-quality learning experiences for all students.
“Our world is changing by the day, with new challenges and opportunities around every corner, and we find ourselves at a critical juncture not only in public education but in our world. While economic uncertainty is part of these ever-changing challenges, we know that investments in students are stable investments in our future, offering a guaranteed return. These investments are how we protect our economy and secure our future. However, over the past two decades, funding for public education has declined from 15.49% of the provincial budget in 2001–2002 to a mere 7.97% in 2024–25. This trend has forced school boards to make painful decisions, sometimes sacrificing educational opportunities for students.”
The 2027 Budget Submission is grounded in research and informed by the work of member boards and trustees throughout the province, whose advocacy on behalf of students and local communities provided the foundation for the document’s findings and recommendations.
The BCSTA also acknowledges the BC Association of School Business Officials (BCASBO) and its February 2026 report, Responsiveness of Provincial Funding to Cost Pressures in BC School Districts, which contributed important data and analysis to the submission.
The BCSTA encourages trustees, education partners, and community members to share the document as part of the collective effort to build a robust, equitable, and inclusive educational system in British Columbia.
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About BCSTA
The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) represents and supports the boards of education that govern British Columbia’s public schools, serving over 550,000 students. BCSTA supports over 400 trustees through professional development, legal counsel, and communications, while acting as the strong, unified voice for boards in advocating to government, education partners, and the public on matters affecting public education.
Media Contact:
Monique Atwal – Manager of Advocacy and Public Relations
Email: matwal@bcsta.org
Phone: 604-842-1167