Vancouver - (November 21, 2016) - Vancouver School Board has approved the budget proposals contained in the 2016-17 Revised Preliminary Budget (dated June 9, 2016). 

As of June 30, 2016, the board had not approved a balanced operating budget as required by legislation. In the absence of an approved budget and in accordance with the School Act, senior staff commenced implementation of the 2016-17 Revised Preliminary Budget to deal with a $21.8 million shortfall.

Tonight, the official trustee, who was appointed in October to replace the previous board, adopted the $586 million balanced budget.

Official trustee Dianne Turner said: "The budget I passed tonight had already been implemented, but it was necessary to make it official so senior management could begin to review it. The review process will begin immediately and an amended budget, based on actual enrolment and other factors, will be brought back to the board in February 2017.

"In addition, I have asked the Secretary-Treasurer to develop a broader five-year budget plan to move Vancouver School Board to a stable footing that reduces the need to make tough decisions each year."

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Media contact: communications@vsb.bc.ca