Important budget update for Surrey Schools community
February 24, 2025
Dear Surrey Schools Community,
As we enter the second half of the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize the strength and resilience that defines our community. In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed heartbreaking events in the news involving both current and former Surrey students. In times like these, it's crucial that we unite, uplift one another, and approach each other with kindness, understanding, and compassion.
We also acknowledge the uncertainty ahead, especially given the challenges posed by the current political landscape, and we respect the impact it may have on our families, students and staff. Please remember to access the support systems available to you, both within our school community and beyond, as we navigate these challenges together.
An important conversation around this time of the year is about budget – and we want you to be part of it. As we look forward to the 2025/26 budget and school year, there will be continued cost pressures on our district. The Board foresees significant challenges and expects to make strategic decisions that allows them to ensure a balanced budget while continuing to fulfill the goals of Surrey Schools as outlined in the Strategic Plan. The annual budget survey is now open, and we want to hear from our communities. Click here to access the survey in English, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Tagalog and Spanish.
For now, we can confirm we are reviewing non-enrolling assignments and the delivery of programs not in the B.C. curriculum, such as elementary band. A clear priority for parents and caregivers in the Surrey Schools community is to see certified teachers in each classroom. As a start, non-enrolling staff will continue to be allocated where they are most-needed. The district is also examining the delivery of elementary band programs to look for efficiencies and align Surrey Schools’ programming more closely with other districts around the province.
Over the last little while, we have introduced several new initiatives like hybrid learning through an innovative problem-solving lens. Our goal with hybrid learning is to deliver the best learning experience for our students, prepare them for a future that includes hybrid work and learning, while alleviating pressures on our system. The current and future success of these initiatives is directly connected to the contributions, creativity and dedication of Surrey Schools’ staff.
The Board of Education has clearly expressed its desire to work with the province to deliver a quality education for every child in Surrey and work through the pressures we face as a school district. We appreciate the support of our families, students and staff in making Surrey Schools a place where students can grow and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mark Pearmain
Superintendent | CEO
Surrey Schools
