GUELPH – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has passed the 2025-2026 school year budget totalling $549.6 million.
The balanced budget was developed over several months and focuses on the priorities outlined in the board’s multi-year plan.
Trustees approved an operating budget of $499.9 million and capital budget of 49.7 million.
The operating revenue includes $489.3 million in core education funding and $10.6 million in other revenue sources.
Of the total revenue, $417.5 million is allocated to instruction related expenses such as classroom staffing and learning resources, $42.9 million to school facilities, $26.6 million to school transportation, and $12.8 million to central service departments.
“The UGDSB is a student-centric learning organization that exists to inspire a lifelong love of learning while developing globally literate citizens,” board officials stated in a press release.
From kindergarten through Grade 12 to adult learning programs, UGDSB schools “provide robust foundational education by fostering engaging and supportive learning environments,” officials state.
“The UGDSB commits to ensuring each student is encouraged to chart their own educational path and is prepared to overcome any obstacle they may encounter along the way.
“At UGDSB, we promise to put students at the centre of everything we do.”
Revenue was allocated based on the following guiding principle: supporting students.
“The board will continue to fund reading and math-support teachers above and beyond provincially funded positions,” officials stated.
“The board will also continue to bolster student mental-health resources and strengthen our Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility Office supports.”
While the budget is balanced and compliant with Ministry of Education requirements, it does not come without risks, officials continued.
Cost pressures exist in several non-classroom, service areas.
Staff have worked to pare down non-classroom expenses in services areas across the organization.
Chair Ralf Mesenbrink stated “We have approved a balanced budget for 2025-26 that remains true to our Multi-Year Plan goals and continues the direction given by the board two years ago with respect to funding reading and mathematics supports beyond what is funded by the government.
“This was accomplished through the thoughtful, strategic work of staff, paring non-classroom expenses to the bone.
“Some of these expense reductions, however, are not sustainable year after year.”
Director of education Peter Sovran stated “This budget is more than a balancing of revenue and expenses for another year – it’s a commitment to staying focused on our priorities.
“It keeps classroom-based learning, student outcomes, and enriched educational experiences at the center of everything we do.
“Reductions in some service areas mean our ability to replace non-critical assets may be delayed, response times for staff supports could lengthen, and innovation initiatives might slow,” Sovran noted.
The full budget document will be posted on the UGDSB website.
