The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board has announced its approval of the $94.9 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
According to staff, the 2025-2026 budget strategically invests in key areas to enhance student academic potential, mental well-being, and spiritual growth.
Key Investments for the 2025-2026 School Year:
● Literacy and Numeracy Enhancements: Significant allocations include $112,900 for
Lexia reading software licenses and $34,800 for early reading enhancements, along
with $303,000 to support educators in implementing reading interventions. For math,
$301,000 has been allocated to support the implementation of math support,
intervention, and resources, including digital tools for students.
● Special Education: The Board has committed $15 million to Special Education
resources, recognizing a $2 million shortfall from Ministry funding. RCCDSB continues
to advocate for increased government investment in special education and
educational support workers.
● Skilled Trades, Pathways, and Experiential Learning: A robust investment of
$10,000 for Skilled Trades bursaries, $10,000 for an Entrepreneurship Education Pilot
Project, and $13,100 for experiential learning for guidance teachers. Further
commitments include $155,034 for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
and $210,500 for Specialist High Skills Major Programs (SHSM). Notably, $75,000 will
be used to launch a specialized project to introduce skilled trades to Grade 7 and 8
students.
● Mental Health and Well-being: Funds are allocated to continue supporting student
well-being through the work of Social Workers and Attendance Counsellors,
addressing critical areas such as anxiety, social skills, and self-regulation.
● Indigenous Education: The budget reinforces RCCDSB’s commitment to Truth and
Reconciliation, with continued support for the Indigenous Graduation Coach, the new
Indigenous Elementary Coach, and the Indigenous Education Instructional Coach.
Funds are also allocated towards Indigenous Education Initiatives. The 2025-2026
school year theme, “As a community of believers, we strive to build a relationship
with Indigenous communities founded on a deep respect for their identities, beliefs
and traditions to support healing and work toward reconciliation,” is deeply reflected
in these allocations.
● Technology Infrastructure: Critical investments include $350,000 for Identity
Management, Authentication, and Access Control, and $193,000 for Asset
Management to ensure a secure, efficient, and well-understood network
environment. Despite a $1.3 million funding shortfall from the Ministry for IT and
learning technology needs, RCCDSB is committed to meeting the demands of
modern technology in the classroom.
● Facility Enhancements: $9.1 million is allocated to school condition capital
improvements, including $2.3 million for the construction of a new daycare at Our
Lady of Lourdes, adding vital childcare infrastructure to the community.
● Catholic Education and Evangelization: Funds are allocated to sponsor teachers for
religious education qualifications and to support adult faith formation for all RCCDSB
staff.
The 2025-2026 budget aligns with the Ministry of Education’s Core Education Funding guidelines, focusing on classroom staffing, learning resources, special education, school facilities, student transportation, and school board administration. It also incorporates key plans such as the Learning Technologies Plan, Mental Health and Wellness Plan, Indigenous Education Plan, Equity Action Plan, and Special Education Plan.
“With this budget, we are enhancing opportunities for all students, ensuring they can achieve their highest academic potential while nurturing their mental well-being and spiritual journey towards Christ,” Bob Schreader, RCCDSB Chair, remarked.
The projected budget for the 2025-2026 school year presents a Ministry-compliant balanced budget, with the projected deficit falling within 1% of total Ministry funding.
(Richard Evans)