The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) has approved a balanced $803.5 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, making significant new investments to support a growing student population and advance its commitments to student achievement, well-being, and innovative, faith-filled learning.
With enrolment projected to climb by 2,049 students, this budget directs resources where they are needed most: the classroom. It introduces $16.8 million in strategic spending to enhance student support, expand skilled trades and outdoor learning, and ensure the responsible integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence. The budget is balanced with a planned use of $5.6 million from reserves, an intentional investment in student success.
Quote Ottawa Catholic School Board Chair
"The 2025-2026 school year budget is a direct response to the needs of our growing Catholic school community and a reflection of our values in action," said Mark Mullan, Chair of the Board. "It ensures that as we welcome more families, we are also strengthening the supports that help every student thrive. We are investing in the educators, support staff, and learning environments that define an OCSB education."
Key Investments for 2025-2026
This year's budget aligns with the Board's Strategic Commitments: Be Community, Be Well, Be Innovative. It is built on a foundation of responsible financial stewardship and highlights the Board's commitment to investing in people. Over 81% of all spending is dedicated to the salaries and benefits of the staff who directly support, teach, and care for our students every day.
Supporting Student Achievement and Well-Being:
- Investing in Student Support: The budget prioritizes direct classroom support, including hiring 118 new teachers and 70 permanent Educational Assistants. It also adds specialized staff in areas such as literacy and numeracy, mental health and multilingual support, ensuring more responsive, student-centred support across schools.
- $2 Million for Skilled Trades: The first phase of a multi-year investment to expand hands-on learning, build industry partnerships, and renew equipment for high-demand career pathways.
- $2 Million for Inclusion and Well-Being: A multi-year project to deepen support for student mental health and staff wellness, and expand equity initiatives, ensuring every school is a place of belonging.
- Continued Focus on Reading and Math: Increased funding for dedicated reading and math intervention teachers and tutoring services reflects our commitment to strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
- Continued Investment in Faith-based resources: The introduction of an elementary Religious Education Consultant to assist elementary Faith Mentors and an investment in resources for the religious education curriculum.
Enhancing Learning Environments:
- $8.4 Million for Portables: To support our growing student population, temporary air-conditioned portables will be added until new permanent classrooms are built.
- $1.3 Million to Complete Outdoor Learning Spaces: The final phase of a $7.5 million, three-year initiative to integrate outdoor learning and environmental stewardship at every school.
- $1 Million Annually (Over Three Years) for Inclusive Play Structure Renewal: Funding will support the replacement of aging and non-accessible play structures to ensure safer, more inclusive outdoor spaces.
- $475,000 for Responsible AI and Innovation: To give students access to safe, vetted AI tools and to support educators in using these tools effectively to enhance learning.
Grounded in Faith, Guided by Leadership
The budget was developed during a period of leadership transition, demonstrating stability and a shared vision for the OCSB's future.
Thomas D'Amico, Retiring Director of Education:
"The OCSB continues to lead with purpose, and this budget strengthens the Board's long-term capacity to deliver innovative, faith-filled education," said Thomas D'Amico, retiring Director of Education. "It's the result of years of collaborative work that have embedded Deep Learning, well-being, and equity into every classroom setting the stage for continued innovation as needs evolve."
Mary Donaghy, Incoming Director of Education:
"Behind the numbers is a shared commitment to students, staff, and strong stewardship," said Mary Donaghy, incoming Director of Education. "This budget reflects the priorities of our entire OCSB community and provides a focused path forward grounded in listening, teamwork, and the strengths we see every day in our schools."
A Responsible and Transparent Plan
The 2025-2026 Budget complies with all Ministry of Education requirements and was shaped by feedback from trustees, staff, students and community partners. It is a responsible plan that reflects our priorities and supports the on-going work in our schools. You can read the full budget on the OCSB website.
