Public school funding is allocated using a streamlined, student-based funding system. Over 80% of the funding is allocated on a per FTE basis, with additional recognition of a variety of special needs. Other supplemental grants are provided to Boards of Education to address the variable costs associated with declining enrolment, educator salaries, transportation, and unique geographic factors.
This policy describes the way all students are funded under this system. More details regarding the additional funds provided for students with special needs can be found through the following links: Special Needs Funding, English as a Second Language (ESL) Funding, Aboriginal Education Funding, Adult Funding. Information regarding the supplemental grants can be found in the Funding Allocation System.
Students under the age of 16 must attend school but have the option of enrolling in public schools, independent schools, Distributed Learning (formerly distance education/distance electronic learning) or registering as a home-schooled learner.
School boards receive operating grants from the Ministry of Education as calculated through the Funding Allocation System.
To be eligible for provincial funding, Boards of Education must ensure that students are:
- ordinarily resident in BC with their parent/legal guardian
- enrolled in the district
- under the supervision of, assessed and evaluated by a member of the BC College of Teachers
- provided the requirements for an educational program set out in the following Ministerial Orders:
Capital funding is provided through a separate grant. See the Capital Planning website for details.
Students who are not ordinarily resident in the province may be eligible for funding, under circumstances described in the International Students Policy.
Students may not be funded for more than one FTE within a given school year.
Students are not funded for courses taken during summer school.
Partial or shorter courses (e.g., 2 credit courses) are prorated when calculating the FTE for secondary students.
Courses that are challenged are not funded.
Courses taken in BC outside of the public school system (through colleges, post-secondary institutions, private organizations, etc.) are not funded unless permission and support is arranged through the Board of Education, and the course is taken for credit towards grade 12 graduation.
School age students working towards their grade 12 graduation will be funded until the end of the school year in which they reach the age of 19.
If a school age student completes the graduation requirements prior to age 19, the student will still be eligible for funding until the student turns 19, but will be funded 0.125 FTE per four credit course, without the 0.5 FTE base.
Students who have not received the grade 12 graduation certificate by age 19 may be eligible for funding as an adult student, and only for courses leading to graduation. Please refer to the Adult Student Funding Policy for details. |
