At the June 23rd Regular Meeting of the Board, District School Board of Niagara’s (DSBN) Board of Trustees approved a balanced, student-focused 2025-2026 budget of $666,751,504, an increase of nearly $34 million from the previous year.
Developed in full compliance with all Ministry of Education requirements, the budget is guided by DSBN’s Strategic Plan and key priorities. Through regular review of current initiatives and programs as well as thoughtful resource allocation, the Board continues to prioritize student achievement in all budget decisions.
Highlighting our commitment to increased in-school support – and in response to system growth and the opening of new schools – the budget includes staffing increases across classrooms, schools and system administration. These additions will help meet the needs of a projected increase of 677 elementary and secondary students, bringing the Board’s total enrolment up to 43,626 learners.
As student enrolment continues to rise, DSBN remains committed to supporting the achievement and well-being of all learners, with increased investment in programming and specialized support in Special Education. The balanced budget also reflects DSBN’s ongoing dedication to developing programs that align with student interests and future pathways, including the expansion of culinary programs in our secondary schools. Additionally, the Board continues to review and upgrade technology and software to ensure students stay informed and engaged with the latest tools and trends in emerging technology fields.
DSBN’s commitment to operational efficiency and long-term planning is further highlighted in this budget. Over $69 million is invested in new school builds, modern additions, renovations and multi-system upgrades including accessibility enhancements, security, electrical and mechanical updates. This includes facility improvements such as additions to both Fitch Street and Quaker Road Public Schools as well as the construction of Thundering Heights, the new elementary school in Niagara Falls, set to open in September. All three of these projects include daycare spaces.
While the majority of the Board’s funding is generated by student enrolment, which has grown, resulting in a significant increase in Core Education funding, financial pressures persist. The Board continues to review transportation for potential efficiencies as it remains a challenging area. Adjustments to bell times, bus routes and school boundaries are key strategies that help manage costs and improve service. In the ever-evolving world of technology, increased funding is also required to maintain sufficient support for both school programming and system security.
“This budget reflects the Board’s commitment to making decisions that put students first,” said Sue Barnett, Chair of the Finance Committee and Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Year over year, incredible work is being done to prepare a budget that prioritizes student success. By investing in classroom supports, we are ensuring that every learner has the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, both now and in the future.
“As always, we have approached this budget with both responsibility and intention. With strategic investments, the 2025-2026 budget positions DSBN very well to respond to ongoing enrolment increases while maintaining our long-standing focus on student achievement and sound financial management,” said Stacy Veld, Associate Director of Education, Corporate Services & Treasurer.
DSBN’s fiscal year runs from September 1 to August 31. Annually in June, the budget for the upcoming school year is presented to DSBN’s Board of Trustees for review and approval.