NIAGARA CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Board of Trustees approves $346 million balanced budget for 2025-2026

The Niagara Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the approval of a balanced budget totaling $346 million for the 2025-2026 school year, an increase over the current year's budget of $318 million. This budget supports the continued growth and success of Niagara Catholic schools, with enrolment projected to rise to 23,326 students.

The 2025-2026 annual budget was officially approved at the Board meeting held on June 17, 2025.

The development of this year's budget was a collaborative effort, shaped by valuable input from parents, school council members, staff, trustees, students, and community stakeholders. Their contributions helped guide the strategic allocation of resources to ensure continued support for student achievement, equity, and well-being, despite increasing operational costs.

Chair of the Board Danny Di Lorenzo called this a "good-news, balanced budget" that supports student learning.

"I am pleased that the Board of Trustees has endorsed this good-news, balanced budget," said Chair Di Lorenzo. "It is reflective of the Board's priorities to support student achievement and wellbeing and balancing fiscal responsibility to ensure we have the resources available to meet student and staff needs. I am grateful to Director of Education Camillo Cipriano and Niagara Catholic's entire senior leadership team for the energy, consideration, and care they dedicated to creating a balanced budget for the 2025-2026 school year."

Director Cipriano also reflected on the 2025-2026 annual budget.

"In creating Niagara Catholic's 2025-2026 annual budget, Superintendent of Business and Financial Services Giancarlo Vetrone and his team listened to the priority recommendations brought forward by our students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders, and created a budget that meets their priorities while maintaining financial stewardship of Niagara Catholic," he said. "Our senior leadership team, and our Board of Trustees, are committed to ensuring that we offer the programs, supports, and services that students need to thrive in 21st century schools and, eventually, workplaces. This budget reflects those priorities, ensuring both students and staff have the resources they need to succeed."

Key Highlights of the 2025-2026 Budget:

• Enhanced Technology Investments: Increased funding for student and staff technology to enrich teaching and learning experiences in classrooms.
• Support for Student Well-Being: Additional staffing for special education, more education resource teachers to meet diverse student needs.
• Increased Classroom Support: Hiring of more elementary and secondary teachers to address classroom demands and support effective learning environments.

With this balanced budget, Niagara Catholic is well-positioned for a successful school year ahead, focused on academic excellence, student well-being, and responsible financial stewardship.