School District No. 50 has given first and second reading to the amended annual budget for 2006/07. This budget reflects the final enrolment of 754.5 full-time equivalent students and the actual employees hired for the year said secretary- treasurer Ken Campbell at the Jan. 23 School district 50 board meeting. The budget shows an increase of $88,405 in salaries (including benefits, services and supplies) over last year while the enrolment was down 26.5 students. In other news: o Mr. Campbell presented a 2007/08 budget process to the board at the January 23 meeting, one that would see trustees left out of the process until the budget was presented to the public in late March. Discussions on the budget usually start in February between district staff, trustees and principals. Public meetings are then held to get community input, before a final budget is passed. Trustee Christine Martynuik questioned why the trustees were left out at the earlier sessions. Mr. Campbell said it was just a suggested process and he was open to changing it. Done. o Mr. Campbell also said the Ministry of Education has agreed to add the Port Clements multiplex to the district's 5-year capital plan. He originally thought the almost $1.6-million allocated would not be included in this year's portion of the plan (it is slated for year three), but has since had more discussions and hopes more news will come in the near future. The district also has applied for $5,000 from the Union of BC Municipalities to work with the village on planning the facility.