OCDSB Trustees Approve 2025-2026 Annual Operating Budget
On June 17th, the Board of Trustees approved the OCDSB 2025-2026 operating budget of $1,244,794,269 and capital budget of $114,488,227.
This budget reflects the Board’s ongoing commitment to its strategic plan, which prioritizes learning, well-being and social responsibility for all students. It addresses significant financial pressures while ensuring continued investment in key areas that directly support student success and maintain the high quality of public education in Ottawa.
The District operates on a fiscal year that runs from September 1 to August 31. In compliance with the Education Act, school boards are required to approve a balanced budget before the end of June each year.
Crafting the 2025-2026 budget was a complex endeavor, marked by significant cost pressures and the need to make difficult decisions to balance the plan. Despite these challenges, the Board and staff worked diligently to deliver a fiscally responsible budget that continues to meet the needs of students.
The OCDSB is expected to have an enrolment of approximately 77,000 students for the 2025-2026 school year, consistent with the previous year.
“There’s no question that balancing this budget has been a struggle. Nevertheless, the 2025-2026 budget ensures that we can continue to take the actions outlined in our multi-year strategic plan to improve student achievement and well-being for all students, with additional support to address the needs of students historically at risk of falling behind. Despite the welcome increase in provincial funding this year, we are still challenged by inflationary pressures, the cost of replacement staff, changes to statutory benefits, and provincial policies that currently limit some cost-reduction opportunities.”
– Trustee Lynn Scott, Chair of the Board
“The OCDSB plans to invest over $1.2 billion dollars in 2025-2026 in supporting approximately 77,000 students, over 12,000 staff, and the local community by providing exceptional education opportunities and well-being support in a socially responsible environment. We look forward to continuing to support our youth on their educational and life journey as the next generation.”
– Randy Gerrior, Associate Director of Education, Business
For detailed information, please see our 2025-2026 Approved Budget.