The Finance Department is responsible for preparing the district budget, administering the collection and disbursement of funds, monitoring revenues and expenditures, preparing financial reports, and performing internal audits.

The Budget Advisory Working Group is comprised of the Board of Education and representatives from key education partner groups, including Richmond Teachers’ Association (RTA), Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 716), Richmond Association of School Administrators (RASA), Richmond District Parents Association (RDPA) and Richmond Management and Professional Staff (RMAPS). Meetings will be scheduled from February to March to provide budget updates and gather feedback and input from partner groups.

The annual budget process is guided by a set of principles developed by the Board of Education in consultation with education partners. These guiding principles include: 

• The budget will support and align to the board’s strategic plan and priorities and reflect the board’s commitment to responsible long term fiscal planning;
• Budget processes will be inclusive, transparent and will encourage stakeholder and community input;
• All budget decisions will be focused on creating and maintaining educational programs and services for students which maximize opportunities for learning;
• Budget decisions will support a culture of innovation and responsiveness to system change, while maintaining cost effectiveness and long term sustainability;
• Business and operational services and systems required to support schools and students will be based on best practices and maintained in an efficient and cost effective manner; and
• Budget decisions will be based on accurate, relevant data and information.

The district operates under the authority of the School Act and the district must approve a balanced budget for the upcoming school year and submit it to the Ministry of Education and Childcare before June 30. 

Budget Advisory Working Group

• February 10, 2025 Meeting (Presentation PDF)