1. Why This Matters
Every year, your school’s governing board (GB) is responsible for adopting the school’s budget. This isn’t just a technicality, it’s one of the most important powers the board holds.
Normally, the process is straightforward: the principal presents a budget, the board discusses it and then adopts it. But this year, things are different. Provincial budget rules changed mid-summer, meaning the money schools receive may come with restrictions or conditions. In practice, this could mean:
- Certain programs may be underfunded.
- Services that directly support students (e.g., tutoring, special education, extracurriculars) could be reduced.
- Principals may face pressure to cut or delay certain expenses.
That’s why parents on governing boards must look closely at the numbers, not just to approve them, but to make sure the budget reflects student needs first.
2. The Governing Board’s Real Role
Under Article 95 of the Education Act, the governing board does more than “approve” a budget, it adopts it. This means you, as a parent, are not simply there to rubber-stamp decisions. You have the legal right to:
- Ask questions: If something isn’t clear, demand clarification.
- Request changes: Suggest reallocating funds if student services are at risk.
- Delay adoption: Postpone approval until the board has enough information.
- Reject the budget: If it compromises services or fails to meet student needs, you can say no.
This power exists because governing boards are not meant to defend government financial decisions. They exist to defend students’ education.
Articles 64 and 71 of the Education Act make this clear: board members must act honestly, loyally, and in the best interest of the students, staff, and community.
3. What Happens if a Budget is Rejected?
A common fear is that rejecting a budget will shut down a school. This is not true.
- Schools will continue to operate.
- Teachers and staff will keep working.
- Students will still receive their classes and services.
- The only consequence may be delays in spending for some non-urgent items.
In those cases, the school board or principal will prepare a provisional budget until a revised one is adopted.
Rejecting a budget is not an attack on the school, it is a responsible decision when student services are threatened.
4. How Parents Can Prepare and Act
Here’s a step-by-step way to approach budget season as a parent representative:
Before the Meeting
- Make sure the revised budget is included in the meeting notice. You must receive it ahead of time, not on the spot.
- Compare the proposed budget with last year’s. Look at key areas: Are there cuts to services, programs, or support staff?
During the Meeting
- Ask the principal to explain how the proposed budget will affect students. For example: “What will be the impact on special needs students?” or “Will extracurricular programs continue at the same level?”
- If the explanation shows that services are being cut or reduced, you can propose a resolution to modify or reject the budget.
After the Meeting
- If your board modifies or rejects the budget, communicate this clearly. Parents should know why the decision was made.
- Inform the school board administration, your local MNAs, and the Minister of Education. This ensures the message travels up to decision-makers.
5. Why Rejecting or Modifying Sends a Message
Principals cannot change the amount of funding their school receives. Even school boards have limited influence. The real decisions are made by the provincial government.
So why reject or modify a budget? Because it sends a powerful message that parents and schools cannot accept cuts that harm students. It tells Quebec policymakers: our children’s education is not negotiable.
6. Sample Resolution
Here’s a ready-to-use template:
Considering the financial context for the 2025–2026 school year;
Whereas the proposed budget negatively impacts student services;
Whereas Article 64 of the Education Act requires decisions to be made in students’ best interests;
The governing board of [School Name] refuses to adopt the budget as presented and requests a revised version that better reflects the school’s real needs.
The chair will inform parents, the school board, local MNAs, and the Minister of Education of this decision.
Keep resolutions short and clear. A direct statement is more effective than a long explanation.
7. Key Takeaway for Parents
Your job as a parent on the governing board is not to balance the government’s books. It’s to protect students.
When services that directly impact children’s, success are threatened, modifying or rejecting a budget isn’t confrontational, it’s responsible, lawful, and aligned with the governing board’s mission.
By taking this stand, you remind decision-makers that children’s education must come first, always.
Helpful Resources:
- Education Act – Article 95
- Education Act – Article 64
- Education Act – Article 71
- Ministry Guide on Annual School Budgets
