B.C. auditor general gives thumbs up to school budget, procurement practices

VICTORIA – Auditor General Carol Bellringer has given the government the thumbs up in two education budget reports.

Bellringer says her reports found good budget management practices at British Columbia’s school districts and sound procurement processes in buildings at colleges and universities.

But she says her school budget report does not touch on issues at the Vancouver School District, where the school board is wrestling with a projected $24 million deficit.

Bellringer says her report examines the Kootenay, Richmond, Victoria and Nanaimo-Ladysmith school districts and finds good practices for developing their budgets and monitoring expenses.

Her report makes eight recommendations, including strengthening planning and communication with stakeholders to ensure spending stays on track.

Bellringer’s report says B.C.’s education budget is almost $5 billion.