The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) had difficulty passing its 2025-2026 school year budget, but managed to approve a balanced and Ministry of Education-compliant financial plan that continues to prioritize student support, classroom instruction, and mental health services.
Following several months of careful planning, trustees approved an operating budget of $499.9 million. This includes $489.3 million in Core Education Funding and $10.6 million from other revenue sources. The board also approved a capital budget of $49.7 million for facility maintenance, renewal, and improvement projects.
In alignment with the board’s Multi-Year Plan (MYP), the budget allocates the majority of its funding — $417.5 million — toward instruction-related expenses, including classroom staffing and learning resources. An additional $42.9 million has been earmarked for school facilities, $26.6 million for transportation services, and $12.8 million for central service departments.
“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,” said Chair of the Board, Ralf Mesenbrink."Some of these expense reductions, however, are not sustainable year after year."
The board will also continue to invest in student mental health resources and strengthen the services offered through its Human Rights, Equity and Accessibility Office.
“This budget is more than a balancing of revenue and expenses for another year—it’s a commitment to staying focused on our priorities,” said Director of Education Peter Sovran. “It keeps classroom-based learning, student outcomes, and enriched educational experiences at the centre of everything we do as we work together to realize Vision 2026+.”
“This balanced budget carries risks. 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 said.
The Upper Grand District School Board serves students across Dufferin County, Wellington County, and the City of Guelph, from kindergarten to adult learning programs.