BRITISH COLUMBIA SCHOOL TRUSTEES ASSOCIATION
BCSTA Advocacy Recognized in the 2026 Budget Consultation Report

The British Columbia School Trustees Association (BCSTA) is proud to share the results of our coordinated advocacy for Provincial Budget 2026. In May, BCSTA delivered a formal presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, and in June, presented our comprehensive written budget submission, calling for sustainable, equitable funding for K-12 public education and targeted investments to address staffing shortages, inclusive education, and aging infrastructure.

Drawing directly on resolutions passed at BCSTA AGM 2025 and supported by trustees and staff through clear, evidence-based recommendations, we underscored the need to reverse the long-term shortfall in education's share of the provincial budget and improve recruitment and retention in rural and remote districts.

The Committee's final Budget 2026 Consultation Report reflects BCSTA's strong advocacy. It recommends prioritizing capital funding to address K-12 school infrastructure issues, such as seismic upgrades and accessibility, and exploring innovative solutions for capital infrastructure, including the use of mixed-use spaces. The recommendations also call for stable funding for inclusive education and student supports, among many more. These outcomes demonstrate the power of our unified voice and show BCSTA's positions continue to influence provincial budget priorities.

This success is the direct result of trustees sharing local realities through stories and BCSTA motions and staff translating those into powerful presentations and recommendations. The effectiveness of BCSTA's consistent presence before decision-makers cannot be overstated. Combined, these factors prove that when we speak with one voice, we can secure tangible commitments toward a strong, inclusive public education system.

We thank all trustees and staff who contributed to this effort and remain committed to turning these recommendations into funded action.

Read the full report from the Select
Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
*The K-12 report and recommendations begin on page 58 of the report

See the complete BCSTA written Budget Submission that led to the Committee's recommendations noted above. This advocacy document is the one-stop shop for BCSTA member advocacy and contains all BCSTA AGM 2025 motions and BCSTA Working Group recommendations that request funding.

Download the BCSTA Budget Submission to the
Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services