At the 91pro视频 (HCDSB), we are committed to fostering excellence in education through responsible stewardship of resources. The Ministry of Education, through the鈥�Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023, has reinforced that school boards must remain focused on academic achievement and student success.
As we plan the鈥�2026鈥�2027 school year budget, we are inviting feedback from鈥痯arents, students, staff, and community members鈥痶o help inform our budget priorities. Your input helps us understand what matters most to our community and ensures our resources are allocated in ways that best support student learning and well-being.
Quick Facts About the HCDSB Budget
- Most funding comes from the Ontario Ministry of Education.
The majority of school board funding is provided through the provincial Core Education Funding model. - Funding is largely based on student enrolment.
The number of students attending HCDSB schools helps determine how much funding the 91pro视频 receives. - The vast majority of funding is already committed to essential services.
These include educators and school staff, student transportation, learning resources, school operations, and student supports.
- Only a small portion of the budget is flexible.
After required costs are covered, limited funding remains available for new initiatives or enhancements. - Ministry guidelines often direct how funding must be used.
Some funding allocations are restricted and must support specific programs or priorities. - The 91pro视频 must pass a balanced budget each year.
Trustees are required to approve the annual budget by the end of June.
2025-2026 Budget Expense Breakdown
Understanding the Budget Process
School board financial planning is an important part of ensuring that resources are used effectively to support students and school communities.
In Ontario, school boards receive most of their funding from the鈥�Ministry of Education through the Core Education Funding model, which is organized into several key areas including classroom staffing, learning resources, special education, school facilities, transportation, and board administration.鈥�
Funding is largely based on鈥�student enrolment, using a measure called鈥�Average Daily Enrolment (ADE). The number of students enrolled in a school board鈥檚 schools helps determine the funding allocation provided by the Ministry.鈥�
It is important to note that the vast majority of the 91pro视频鈥檚 funding is already committed to essential services that support students and the operation of our schools. The largest share of funding supports the educators and staff who work with students every day, along with required costs related to transportation, facilities, and student supports. As a result, only a small portion of the budget remains flexible for new initiatives or enhancements. Even within this remaining portion, Ministry funding guidelines and directives limit how funds can be used, as certain allocations must be directed to specific programs or priorities.
Each year, the 91pro视频 must adopt a鈥痓alanced budget鈥痠n accordance with the鈥�Education Act鈥痑nd Ministry guidelines.鈥�
How Budget Decisions Are Made
When preparing the annual budget, several factors shape how funding is allocated:
- Ministry funding guidelines鈥痶hat determine how funds can be spent
- Essential commitments, such as staffing, transportation, facilities, and student supports
- Operational requirements, including contractual and collective agreement obligations
- Community input, which helps guide priorities and long-term planning
While it may not be possible to implement every suggestion received, community feedback plays an important role in helping us identify the areas that will have the greatest impact for students.
Aligning with the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP)
Our budget planning is guided by the鈥�HCDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) 2024鈥�2028, which focuses on four priorities:
Achieving
We Hold High Expectations for All
Ensuring students have the resources and support needed to reach their full potential.
Believing
We Are Distinctly Catholic
Strengthening faith formation and Catholic values within our schools.
Belonging
We Are a Community That Accompanies
Promoting inclusion, well-being, and a sense of belonging for all students and staff.
Becoming
We Are on a Journey Together
Investing in innovation, continuous improvement, and the future of Catholic education.
These priorities help guide how resources are directed across our system.
Share Your Feedback!
We invite members of the HCDSB community to participate in our鈥�2026鈥�2027 Budget Consultation Survey.
Your feedback will help identify the areas where investments can make the greatest impact for students and where efficiencies may be considered across the system.
As you complete the survey, we encourage you to:
- Identify areas where additional investments could have the greatest impact for students
- Share ideas for cost-saving opportunities or efficiencies the 91pro视频 should consider
- Provide feedback on priorities that support student success and well-being
The survey will remain open until鈥�11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026.
What Happens Next?
Feedback gathered through this consultation will be reviewed alongside the 91pro视频鈥檚 strategic priorities and operational requirements.
This input will help inform the鈥�proposed 2026鈥�2027 budget, which will be presented to the鈥�91pro视频 of Trustees for approval in June 2026.
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and help shape the future of Catholic education in our schools.