February 20, 2026 <\/p>\n
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The Surrey Board of Education is seeking input from staff, parents\/caregivers and the larger communities of Surrey, White Rock and Barnston Island for the 2026-27 school year in the district\u2019s annual budget consultation<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cEach year, we proactively reach out to our school communities and the public to better understand their priorities for the coming school year,\u201d said Terry Allen, Surrey Board of Education Trustee and Chair of the board\u2019s Finance Committee. \u201cThis short online survey provides an accessible platform for gathering community feedback, which helps inform how we shape our budget.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to hear from everyone \u2013 your feedback in incredibly valuable in guiding the decisions that impact our schools, and we\u2019ll continue engaging our communities online and through more traditional methods.\u201d<\/p>\n Participants are encouraged to provide input through a variety of channels, including:<\/p>\n Top priorities of last year\u2019s survey included certified teachers for each classroom, support for students with diverse abilities and disabilities, counselling and mental health services, technology support, staff resources, infrastructure maintenance, and a focus on equity and safety.<\/p>\n While school capacity was listed as a top concern, respondents are reminded that operating funds cannot be used for constructing new schools or additions. Though the district has had to use operating funds in previous years to purchase, move or modify portable classrooms, the costs for building new students spaces are covered through capital funding, which is determined by the Ministry of Education and Child Care based on the district\u2019s Five-Year Capital Plan<\/a>, submitted each June.<\/p>\n Priorities identified by the community will be taken into consideration under the \u2018special purpose\u2019 portion of the budget and will not impact the pre-allocated portions already committed to operating and capital costs (i.e. teachers, educational assistants, programs\/services, supplies, school construction, additions and seismic upgrades).<\/p>\n