Surrey Schools allocates $2.7 million for student supports

The Surrey school district is allocating an additional $2.7 million in ongoing funding to its 2026-27 operating budget to expand student supports and food programs. The district stated that the surplus was made possible by “stronger-than-expected” year-end financial results.

The funding will support the creation of several new full-time positions, including 69 inclusive education support workers (IESW) to be distributed among Surrey and White Rock schools based on student need. Additionally, the district is hiring two Indigenous graduation advocates, bringing the total to eight, to assist students in connecting with post-secondary opportunities.

To address social and emotional needs at secondary schools, the district is also adding seven youth and child-care workers. Superintendent Mark Pearmain noted that these new roles are intended to provide varying levels of assistance, ranging from one-on-one support to classroom-based assistance.