The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has approved a balanced operating budget of more than $552 million for the 2026-27 school year while preparing for declining enrolment and rising operational costs.
Trustees, sitting as the board’s Budget Committee, approved an operating budget of $552.3 million along with a capital budget of approximately $60.8 million.
Board officials say the spending plan aligns with priorities outlined in the board’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, with a continued focus on student achievement, well-being and classroom supports.
“The budget brought forward by administration is centered on those priorities and our commitment to strengthening strong learning foundations for students,” said Budget Committee chair Angela Lloyd.
Lloyd added that “our focus will remain, as always, to support the success and wellness of our students.”
The budget comes as the board faces a number of financial challenges, including lower projected enrolment and increasing costs in several key areas.
According to projections presented during the budget process, total enrolment for the coming school year is expected to reach 34,908 students. That represents a decline of 477 students overall, including 303 fewer elementary students and 174 fewer secondary students compared to the current year.
Because provincial funding is largely determined by student enrolment, those declines will have a direct impact on board revenues.
Administrators also pointed to ongoing cost pressures related to student transportation, special education services, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board costs, and staff replacement expenses.
“Our focus continues to be on identifying efficiencies and reducing costs across operational budget lines as we developed this budget for consideration by the Board,” said Chief Executive Officer Rita Russo.
Despite those challenges, trustees approved a compliant budget that meets all Ministry of Education requirements.
Board officials said efforts were made throughout the budget process to direct available resources toward classrooms and student supports while maintaining responsible financial management.
The approved budget will fund schools across Northumberland County, Peterborough County and Clarington during the 2026-27 school year.
Additional budget information is available through the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board website.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
