School District 72 has approved an amended budget of $95,588,062 for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Board of Education says it reflects updated enrolment numbers, confirmed grant revenue and actual salary costs since the preliminary budget was passed in May.

Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Patrick said revenue increased in part due to labour settlement funding and a higher operating grant.

On the expense side, total costs are about $642,000 lower than last year.

The district saw a slight reduction in teacher positions and a small drop in support staff and other professional roles.

Meanwhile, SD72 is projecting a decline of about 105 full-time equivalent students in Campbell River next school year.

The forecast follows a review of community trends and information gathered from schools and will be used to build the preliminary operating budget for 2026-2027.

Looking further ahead, enrolment is expected to continue declining through the 2028-2029 school year.

Lower birth rates are driving the trend. District data also shows a widening gap between graduating Grade 12 students and incoming kindergarten students.

The true difference between those two groups is about 180 students.

The district says the province is seeing similar patterns, with more students graduating than entering the system.

The projected enrolment decline comes as the district begins its next budget cycle. Early estimates suggest a deficit of about $2 million.

Secretary-Treasurer Patrick also noted significant decline in several special education categories, which affects overall funding.

Highlights from the February 24, 2026 public meeting of the Board of Education can be viewed at School District 72.