On October 22, 2025, about 20 Trustees, Divisional Administrators, caregivers and community members gathered to share priorities for the 2026/27 SJASD Budget. Now Trustees would like to invite those that didn't attend to contact them with feedback.
“We were very pleased with the discussions and appreciate the feedback from the community," says SJASD Board Chair Tara Smith (pictured top).
Last week's Fall Budget Consultation event featured a presentation from Smith and Vice Chair Angela Dunn (pictured bottom) touching on enrollment, direct classroom support, growing student needs, average class sizes, and current budget investments, followed by one-on-one discussions with attendees and the completion of a budget survey.
Key questions in the survey included:
What budget additions should the Board consider?- What budget reductions should the Board consider?
- Are there any other factors you would like the Board to consider in the upcoming budget?
Smith told attendees that Trustees are interested in obtaining feedback on school/student fees and new vocational programming.
Last year, the Board initiated a multi-year process to standardize or reduce fees for students in Early and Middle Years, while eliminating the fundraising fee. This year, they are exploring options relating to fees for students in Senior Years.
In September, John Taylor Collegiate launched a Nail Technician Program. Trustees are open to other ideas for expanding vocational offerings at the high school level.
At the meeting, Smith reminded attendees that some priorities raised at last year's Fall Budget Consultation meeting were included in Budget 2025/26.
“The Board recognizes the cost of maintaining outdoor spaces and allocated $5,000 to each school," she explained, adding that a Grant Writer was also hired to leverage resources available in the public and private sector.
Caregivers, staff, and other community members that weren't able to attend the Fall Budget Consultation meeting on October 22, 2025, are invited to provide feedback or suggestions for the 2026/27 SJASD Budget by reaching out to Trustees directly via email or phone by November 6, 2025.
Trustees and Divisional Administrators have already begun preliminary planning for Budget 2026/27. The draft budget will be presented to the community in February 2026. Additional public consultation will take place at that time.
Thanks to all that attended the October event.
