The Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) has officially approved its annual budget report for the 2026-2027 school year.
This $132.3-million financial plan reflects evidence-based decision-making and is compliant with Ministry of Education regulations. It actively directs resources to support a growing student population of 5,168 average daily enrolment students, marking a 1.5 per cent increase over last year.
Pairing strict fiscal responsibility with a deep commitment to its spiritual mission, the approved budget outlines a $92.7-million operating budget alongside a $39.6-million capital investment allocation.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am very pleased to present the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board’s Budget Report for the 2026-27 school year,” says Chair of the Board of Trustees Lori Di Castri. “As stewards of your trust, our priority is to ensure that the collective voice of our community guides our financial decisions. This budget represents a deliberate approach to governance and one that pairs strict fiscal accountability with an unwavering dedication to our mission as a Catholic school board. Through this roadmap, we ensure resources are distributed equitably to safeguard long-term stability while directing funding precisely where it impacts students most: in our classrooms, technology infrastructure, and special education supports.”
This year’s budget reflects a direct response to public input gathered from community participants who shared their top priorities across 14 survey questions. The community overwhelmingly identified classroom environment and front-line staffing as their top priority. As such, the board has made a significant investment by adding 17.9 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers and four FTE educational assistants directly to schools.
In addition to daily operating expenditures, the board is heavily investing in local infrastructure to accommodate intense enrolment and facility utilization pressures across the region. Major capital expenditures have increased by 291.7 per cent to a total of $39.56 million, driven largely by a $32.1-million investment towards a new Catholic secondary school build in Owen Sound.
The complete budget estimates package will be officially submitted to the Ministry of Education by June 30.