Determining the annual budget is one of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Trustees. The budget is a year-long process—as soon as one budget is set, the Trustees, in collaboration with Senior Administration, begin work on next year's budget.
Incorporating community voice in the annual budget is a priority for the Trustees. This year, on October 22, the Board hosted its second annual Fall Budget Consultation. In the months that followed, Trustees had informal conversations with the community at choir concerts and grocery store queues, at hockey rinks and in playgrounds during drop-off/pick-up.
Based on community feedback, Trustees put forward budget requests. Concurrently, the Senior Administration Team worked with the Division's Budgeting Committee and School Principals to understand funding requirements. All requests were considered at our pre-budget meeting in January.
Now we wait. We wait to find out how much St. James-Assiniboia will receive in funding from the province. We wait to find out St. James-Assiniboia's Portioned Assessment, which will be used to determine the Mill Rate.
While we wait, we listen. We all have a stake in public education—caregivers and students, staff and residents. Because of this, I encourage you to reach out to your democratically elected School Trustee with your insights and perspectives on this year's budget. Our emails and phone numbers are on the School Division's website. We'd love to hear from you.
Additionally, please consider attending our Public Budget Meeting on February 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the St. James-Assiniboia Board Office at 2574 Portage Avenue. At the end of the day, our budget is your budget. Our budget is made better by having your voice heard.
Holly Hunter
School Trustee – East Ward
St. James-Assiniboia School Division
For more information on Trustee Hunter, visit her bio.
