Trustees with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board got their first look at the budget for the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday night, a balanced spending plan based on a projected increase in enrolment.
"Families continue to demonstrate their trust in us by enrolling their children in our schools," said Board Chair Lisa Souilliere. "With that increased enrolment comes increased funding, which allows us to invest further in key priorities for our students, innovative programs, improved academic outcomes, faith formation, positive mental health, and supports for students with special education needs."
The draft document calls for $356-million in funding, and will be back before trustees next Tuesday for final approval.
This year, the board anticipates enrolment of 23,250 students, an increase of 325 from last year. That amounts to an increase in funding of $3.8-million.
Total estimated revenue for the 2026-27 fiscal year is $356.3-million, an increase of $7.7-million over this past year.
The document projects a $32.2-million surplus by June 2027, of which $17.2-milion is unrestricted and available for use by the board.
"Our Catholic school board's administration continues to demonstrate prudent fiscal responsibility while remaining true to our core responsibilities," said Director of Education Emelda Byrne. "This budget provides us with a clear roadmap for the 2026-27 school year, and it provides us with the financial resources and flexibility to focus on our most important priority, our students."
It also calls for hiring 18 full-time teachers and 25 non-teaching staff, including educational assistants, child and youth workers, and school administrators.
