The Grand Erie District School Board has approved balanced operating and capital budgets for the 2025-26 school year. The decision was made during the Regular Meeting of the Board on Monday, June 23.
The operating budget is approximately $425 million, an increase of about $28 million from the previous year. The capital budget totals $21.9 million and will fund building upgrades, school ground improvements, renovations, and repairs.
The board expects student enrolment to rise to 28,085 students in 2025-26, up by about 185 from last year’s projections.
Staffing investments include three new teaching positions, one school administrator, support for multi-lingual learners, 1.5 custodial positions, 1.5 child and youth workers, five educational assistants, and five early childhood educators.
The budget also includes additional funding for specialized services, student transportation, technology infrastructure, classroom resources, and professional development for educational assistants.
Board Chair Susan Gibson said the budget reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability and educational quality. Director of Education JoAnna Roberto noted the plan balances current needs with future goals, while Superintendent of Business Rafal Wyszynski described it as a fiscally responsible and collaborative effort.
The budgets will now be submitted to the Ministry of Education. Full details are available at www.granderie.ca/budget.
