The Vancouver School Board has to cut $18 million from its budget for 2010-11.The Vancouver School Board has to cut $18 million from its budget for 2010-11. (CBC)

The Vancouver School Board is putting the final touches on a plan to cut an estimated $18 million from its budget for the coming school year.

Vancouver's superintendent of schools is expected to present the board's plan to balance the 2010-11 budget at a public meeting Wednesday night.

Chair Patti Bacchus said there could be a whole range of measures proposed, including laying off staff, cutting 10 days from the school year, cancelling programs or even closing schools.

"It will be one big budget document that will outline a list of reductions," said Bacchus.

'I'm incredibly worried about the impact of these cuts.' —Patty Bacchus, chair of the Vancouver School Board

"There may be some program cancellations. We may look to initiate a school closure process — looking at some schools where we might be able to make some operating savings by closing down whole schools and amalgamating the students into other schools," said Bacchus.

Other options include increasing revenues by attracting more foreign students and renting out school space.

"We will be looking at any additional areas where we can increase revenue," she said.

Budgets challenge B.C. school boards

The board will have to make some tough choices, said Bacchus.

"I'm incredibly worried about the impact of these cuts and our ability to fully meet the needs of all students," she said.

After Wednesday's meeting, the board will conduct public consultations for three weeks before it approves a budget in late April.

B.C.'s Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid has said the VSB has a history of projecting a deficit, and then coming out with a surplus, and notes the government has increased education funding year over year.

But the school board has said labour costs are rising faster than funding, including salaries and medical service plan premiums.

Many districts across the province are facing declining enrolment and budget problems, including Prince George, which recently voted to close six schools.

Provincial rules prevent school boards from running deficits in any operating year.