The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees has approved an operating budget with revenues of $835.2 million and expenditures of $854.2 million, resulting in a deficit of $19.0 million funded by operating reserves (savings). The 2026-2027 CCSD budget was approved today, Wednesday, May 20, at a regular board meeting, for submission to Alberta Education and Childcare by May 31, to meet the legislated requirement of the Education Act.
In February 2026, the province's $143 million investment in classroom complexity included an allocation of 53 teams (each with one teacher and two education assistants) to CCSD schools. The district received $15.9 million of these funds and has already filled most positions. The money received allows the district to keep the complexity teams in place for the 2026-2027 school year. In May, the province provided $200 million to school divisions to address class sizes, which funds part of their $355 million commitment in Budget 2026. The district received $24.4 million of these funds to hire 181 teachers for class size reduction. The district welcomes the targeted funding to address classroom pressures across CCSD, while acknowledging that the staffing process will require time.
"The board is pleased that advocacy efforts have contributed to increased investment in classroom complexity and class size reduction funding," says Board Chair Lory Iovinelli. "Themes from our shareholder engagements highlight the need for increased supports to address growing complex learning needs. We appreciate the government's investment in student success and well-being, and remain committed to advocating for targeted, sustainable funding so students can thrive."
Budget Highlights and Pressures
- By the end of September 2026, CCSD anticipates an enrolment growth of 681 students (1.1 per cent) which is funded using the Adjusted Enrolment Method 70 per cent of district funding is based on projected 2026-2027 students and 30 per cent on 2025-2026 estimated students.
- Provincial funding for 2026-2027 is expected to increase by $88.1 million compared to the district's 2025-2026 budget.
- Base grants will rise 3.0 per cent to cover year three of the provincially negotiated teachers' salary settlement which includes the implementation of a unified provincial teacher salary grid.
- Grant rate increases (ranging from 3.0 to 6.0 per cent) include English as an Additional Language, Specialized Learning Supports, First Nations, Métis and Inuit, Refugee Student, School Technology and Transportation.
- Budgeted expenditures increased $112.2 million over the prior year's budget, primarily due to:
- Three years of the teachers' salary settlement not budgeted in 2025-2026
- Salary and benefit increases, resulting from locally bargained salary settlements that are funded through CCSD's operating budget
- Additional staffing for classroom complexity teams, teachers for the Class Size Reduction Grant and enrolment growth
- An investment of $6.0 million in start-up costs (not covered by provincial funding) for four future schools anticipated to open in fall 2027 (represents approximately one third of the district's budgeted operating deficit)
- Inflation pressures, with more than one third of the budgeted operating deficit related to transportation.
"While the board appreciates the province supporting new school construction and increasing transportation funding, costs to open new schools and for transportation continue to rise, and funding is not keeping pace," says Chair Iovinelli. "In support of families and to assist with changes to provincially defined eligibility, transportation fees for CCSD schools in Calgary will not increase in 2026-2027. Continuing to rely on savings to address these shortfalls is not sustainable, and those resources should be prioritized for classrooms and student learning."
The district's budgeted operating reserves for August 2027, excluding school generated funds, are projected to be $10.6 million. These operating reserves represent approximately 1.5 per cent of the prior year's expenses and are within the province's recommended range (1.0 to 6.0 per cent of the prior year's expenses). The district has elected to use some of its savings to fund additional needs to support the classroom.
"Through the province's investment and the use of district savings, CCSD continues to advance our four board priorities," says Chief Superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas. "While Budget 2025-2026 projected that district savings would be fully utilized, the district realized savings in some areas. With more than 80 per cent of our budget dedicated to staffing, natural transitions and the timing of filling positions resulted in savings that will be used to support student success, helping students know Christ and realize their full potential."
Focused on CCSD's four priorities, this budget continues to invest in summer learning for new teachers and a faith formation lead at all elementary and junior high schools (Faith Formation); 10 additional special education classes (Student Success); additional counsellors and school wellness workers (Well-Being); and the presence of Elders and Knowledge Keepers at high school Aboriginal Studies classes (Indigenous Education). For more CCSD financial information, visit cssd.ab.ca/financial-reports
