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With the school year officially over, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) has approved their budget for next fall.
A $539.1 million budget has been finalized for the 2026-27 school year, maintaining compliance with provincial funding requirements while continuing investments in student programs and services.
The budget, approved during a special board meeting on Tuesday, June 23rd, totals $539,121,897 and aligns with the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Officials say the spending plan reflects a commitment to responsible financial management despite ongoing financial pressures affecting school boards across Ontario.
“I would like to thank our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and the entire Finance team for their leadership, diligence, and expertise throughout this budget process,” says Board Chair Marvin Duarte. “Despite the challenges, they remained focused on what matters most – supporting student success and well-being while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.”
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Education Officer John Klein said the budget balances current priorities with future planning.
“This budget enables us to continue investing in the areas that matter most to students and families while preparing responsibly for the future,” notes Klein. “As school boards across Ontario continue to navigate rising costs and increasing demands for student supports, we remain focused on our strategic priorities while continuing to deliver high-quality Catholic education for students and families across Halton.”
The approved budget includes a Ministry of Education-compliant deficit of $2.5 million, which will be funded using a portion of the Board’s accumulated surplus.
Revenue for the 2026-27 fiscal year is estimated at approximately $550 million, while total expenses are projected at $539.1 million, including required compliance adjustments.
The budget maintains funding for special education, mental health and well-being supports, student transportation, school-based budgets and capital projects throughout the school system.
Student enrolment is expected to remain relatively stable compared to the 2025-26 revised estimates, with a projected net decrease of 117.73 Average Daily Enrolment students, or about 0.3%.
The HCDSB operates 48 elementary schools, 10 secondary schools and three continuing education facilities, serving more than 36,000 students. Most provincial funding is based on student enrolment.
The Board will submit its final 2026-27 Budget Estimates to the Ministry of Education by June 30th. More information, including the full budget report, is available here.
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