Peace River School Division Approves $62.3 Million Budget for 2026-2027

The Peace River School Division Board of Trustees has approved a balanced budget of $62.3 million for the 2026-2027 school year.

The budget was reviewed and approved by the Board during a special meeting held Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. at Central Operations in Grimshaw, with Secretary-Treasurer Rhonda Freeman presenting the budget to trustees. A copy of the approved budget is available for review HERE.

Budget Highlights

Teaching Staff: Despite an anticipated two per cent decrease in enrollment, the Division has largely maintained current levels of certificated teaching staff in schools for the 2026-2027 school year.

Mental Health and Wellness: The PRSD remains committed to maintaining current levels of mental health and wellness support in schools. In 2026-2027, all PRSD schools will continue to be supported by the Division's three social workers, Project Peace in Grimshaw and Peace River, as well as Student Success Facilitators in all but two PRSD schools. These individuals work with students and staff to promote positive mental health through developmentally appropriate, evidence-based programming.

Indigenous Education: The Division will receive $1.7 million in Indigenous education funding for 2026-2027. An increased portion of this funding will be allocated directly to school budgets for the delivery of Indigenous education programming. Additional funds will also help support the Student Success Facilitator positions within schools as well as a central curriculum coordinator role and other dedicated Indigenous Education programming supports. 

Peace Learning Connection: Following the appointment of the current Vice Principal to the role of District Principal effective August 2026, the Vice Principal position at Peace Learning Connection will not be replaced.

After careful consideration, the Division has also made the strategic decision to close its home education program through Peace Learning Connection at the end of the current school year. All families with students currently enrolled in the home education program will have received an email from Principal Hayden Gust containing guidance on finding a new public school supervising authority for the next school year, as well as an offer of assistance to families who are interested in pursuing education within one of our local schools for September 2026. 

Central Staffing: The Division will reduce its curriculum coordinator complement from four positions to three full-time roles, effective August 2026.

Watch the full meeting on the Peace River School Division's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceRiverSchoolDivision