As chair of the Surrey Board of Education, I have the privilege of advocating for our students, staff and families to help deliver an exceptional learning experience for Surrey and White Rock students.
This role also demands careful decision-making, particularly in a time of financial constraint, to deliver a high-quality education while working within our means. Our communities have already felt the impact of these financial pressures over the past year, as the board has had to make challenging decisions, including the relocation of City Centre and Guildford learning centres and changes to bus services.
Difficult choices lie ahead as the board evaluates all programs and services, including StrongStart and elementary band programs, to find efficiencies. Most people are unaware Surrey Schools does not receive any funds specifically for busing, band, StrongStart, learning centres and related infrastructure, building leases and portable moves.
Amid these ongoing challenges, it is crucial for us to hear from our communities.
The board has launched two community consultations as we navigate our current financial realities and plan for the future. The first is specific to the South Surrey/White Rock Learning Centre. Students, families and community members will have the opportunity to provide valuable input on shaping the future of the Learning Centre model in the South Surrey and White Rock community.
Our goal is to work with our communities to chart a better way forward and minimize the impact of existing and forthcoming changes. Even though the current lease has not been renewed, the feedback and input from these sessions will be presented to the board and guide staff’s work. District staff are currently preparing an information package on the consultation process.
Next, the annual budget consultation survey seeks to solicit feedback and address priorities identified by the community. These priorities will be taken into consideration and will not impact the pre-allocated portions already committed to operating and capital costs. We encourage parents, caregivers, staff and the broader community to participate in this year’s consultation process, ensuring that your voices help guide our decisions.
As we move forward, for the 2025-26 school year, Surrey Schools must find $16 million to balance the budget. This shortfall is the result of rising costs, driven by inflation and continued rapid population growth, without corresponding increases in provincial funding.
These financial pressures impact our ability to maintain programs and services that go beyond the province’s core curriculum funding. Despite these challenges, the board remains steadfast in its commitment to providing an excellent education for every student in Surrey and White Rock.
This year, we are prioritizing the retention of certified teachers in classrooms by reallocating non-enrolling staff to teaching positions.
This decision is informed by our parent community, which has identified this as a priority to ensure that every classroom benefits from the presence of a certified teacher.
We also recognize the strain on our infrastructure. Surrey Schools continues to be the largest and fastest-growing school district in British Columbia, with many schools exceeding capacity. The number of portables remains too high, and families deserve a long-term solution that ensures students can learn in proper school buildings, not temporary structures.
While we remain hopeful that election promises regarding capital funding will be realized, we continue to press for the resources necessary to build and upgrade our schools.
Another significant challenge is the gap between funding for students with special education requirements and the actual costs of supporting them.
Currently, Surrey Schools spends $54 million more per year than the provincial government provides for these essential services. We strongly believe in inclusive education, and we will continue advocating for sustainable funding to support all learners.
Gary Tymoschuk is the chair of the Surrey board of education.
