Windsor-Essex Catholic school board projects 780-student enrolment boost this fall
Student increase announced as board passed $348M budget for next school year
The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) has approved its financial plan for the next school year — and it includes an expected enrolment boost.
The balanced budget totals $348 million and focuses on things such as mental health, faith formation and special education.
"Credit goes to our administration, which has done some excellent work on creating a plan for the next school year that is fiscally responsible, but still remains focused on supporting those students who need it most," said board chair Lisa Soulliere.
The board is projecting an increase of roughly 780 students at its schools — putting the number at nearly 23,000 across the system, according to a statement by WECDSB on Tuesday night.
"With about two thirds of education funding based on enrolment, this equates to an increase in grant revenue of about $9.9 million," the board said.
This past school year, 60 new full-time classroom teachers were added to the fold, as well as 36 non-teaching hires. Staffing is the largest expenditure for the board, eating up around 80 per cent of its budget.
The board's total estimated expenses for the next fiscal year are $348.6 million compared to $322.2 in 2024-2025, an increase of $26.4 million.
"Rather than relying on its accumulated surplus to balance, the budget funds expenditures with in-year grant revenues, which increased this year by $28.7 million," the board explained.
"This budget is a reflection of both our commitment to our students and to being fiscally responsible stewards of the resources we are entrusted with," said director of education Emelda Byrne.