The Campbell River School District is facing growing financial pressure heading into the next school year, as declining enrolment and flat provincial funding continue to strain the budget.

Trustees have received the district’s preliminary operating grant, with the province maintaining funding at $9,015 per student, unchanged from last year.

Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Patrick says that figure does not keep pace with inflation or rising costs, including recent wage settlements.

At the same time, the district is projecting a drop of about 105 full-time equivalent students across its programs.

Because funding is tied directly to enrolment, that decline is expected to reduce revenue by roughly $1 million.

Early estimates suggest a funding shortfall of about $931,000, before factoring in additional cost increases such as fuel and other operating expenses.

While the province does provide some support for districts experiencing enrolment declines, the district has not reached the threshold for additional protection.

Longer-term trends are also a concern.

Trustees heard the gap between incoming kindergarten students and graduating Grade 12 students remains significant, with projections suggesting enrolment will continue to fall over the next several years.

Despite those challenges, one area providing some stability is the district’s international student program.

The program currently includes 97 students, representing about 75 full-time equivalent enrolments from 11 countries, and is already nearly full for next year.

Officials say having confirmed numbers earlier than usual is helping with planning for homestays, course selection and support services.

There is also a growing number of returning students, with about one quarter of next year’s enrolment expected to be made up of students continuing their studies in the district.

Around 10 international students are on track to graduate next year with Dogwood diplomas.

Beyond enrolment numbers, the program continues to play a strong role in the school community, with local students, host families and staff helping support international learners both in and out of the classroom.

The district says while the international program offers some consistency, it is not enough to offset broader enrolment declines, and budget planning will continue over the coming months.

Under provincial legislation, the school district must adopt a balanced operating budget by the end of June.

Highlights from the March 17, 2026 public meeting of the Board of Education can be viewed at School District 72.