The public will have a chance later this month to give the school board ideas about how to spend next year's budget, but it already looks like money will be tight.
School board chair Andreas Uttendorfer said this year's budget shortfall could be as high as $800,000, although he cautioned this number is an estimate.
"Hopefully it will be less," he said. "At this point, it is too early in the game to know exactly."
The estimated $800,000 would be a huge chunk of the school district budget, which is in the $9-million dollar range.
The school board approved a budget process when it met last week in Port Clements which will see public consultations in Sandspit March 29, Queen Charlotte March 30, Port Clements March 31, and Masset April 1. The budget for the 2004-2005 year must be completed and approved by the board by the end of May.