Trustees of the Ottawa Catholic School Board have approved a balanced operating budget of $833.3 million for the 2026-2027 school year, a plan that adds roughly 84 full-time equivalent positions — including 79 classroom teachers — and continues spending on literacy, skilled trades and inclusive learning.
The budget, which matches $833.3 million in revenues, also draws $7.4 million from accumulated surplus reserves to fund one-time student-focused initiatives. Board officials say the spending complies with provincial regulations and reflects priorities raised during consultations with trustees, families, advisory committees, employee groups and students.
More staff for classrooms
A key piece of the plan is a $2.7-million Board investment in 20 targeted teaching positions dedicated to early literacy and mathematics support. These educators will work alongside classroom teachers to provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 help for students at risk of falling behind who might not otherwise receive extra intervention.
Every student deserves to feel confident in their learning, feel connected to their school and feel optimistic about their future,
That is how Mary Donaghy, the Board's Chief Executive Officer, described the focus of the budget, in comments reported by Education News Canada.
Donaghy said the budget strengthens the programs and supports students rely on daily, whether that means extra help in classrooms, opportunities to explore skilled trades, or learning in environments where they feel welcomed and included.
"A significant portion of these investments is directed toward early intervention in literacy and mathematics, ensuring students receive targeted support before learning gaps become barriers to success," Donaghy said.
Well-being, trades and accessible play
The budget includes $1.5 million for Inclusion and Well-Being through the Lens of Deep Learning in 2026-2027, part of a two-year, $3-million commitment aimed at strengthening student engagement and a sense of belonging. Additional educational assistant positions are also funded to support students with diverse learning needs.
Skilled trades programming, which the Board says continues to grow in popularity among students, receives another $1.5 million this year, half of a two-year, $3-million commitment. The programs offer hands-on learning and exposure to industry-relevant skills, connecting classroom learning to apprenticeships, college, university and the workforce.
Outdoor learning also gets a boost: $1 million for play structure renewal in 2026-2027, part of a three-year, $3-million plan. Combined with the Board's earlier $7.5-million multi-year investment in outdoor learning spaces, total spending on outdoor environments and accessible play structures is expected to exceed $10 million once all phases are complete.
"This budget reflects the priorities Trustees heard throughout the budget process from students, families, staff and our school communities," Mark Mullan, Chair of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, told Education News Canada.
Mullan said the budget expands opportunities for students to explore pathways that match their interests and goals, from skilled trades to post-secondary education and the workforce.
According to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, the new staff and program investments will take effect with the 2026-2027 school year, which begins in September.
