The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has adopted its 2026–2027 Financial Estimates. The 2026-27 Estimates, with an operating budget of $528.7 million, is aligned, balanced and compliant.
Guided by the priorities established through the UGDSB's Multi-Year Plan, Vision 2026+, the budget invests strategically in the areas that matter most to students: foundational education and student achievement, lifelong learning, health and well-being, equity and access, and sustainability. Throughout the budget development process, every decision was evaluated through one guiding principle, keeping students at the centre.
"Since launching our Multi-Year Plan in 2022, we have worked to build a strong foundation for student success," said UGDSB Chief Executive Officer Peter Sovran. "This budget reflects that journey. With every decision, we remained focused on protecting the programs, supports and learning opportunities that have the greatest impact on students. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering on our vision while planning responsibly for the future."
The 2026–2027 budget continues targeted investments that support student success through evidence-informed literacy and mathematics interventions, expanded opportunities for lifelong learning, strengthened human rights and equity initiatives, proactive mental health supports, and innovative sustainability projects that improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impacts. These investments build on several years of measurable progress in student achievement and organizational transformation.
The budget was developed using a zero-based budgeting approach alongside the UGDSB’s Let’s GO! methodology. Together, these processes ensured that every expenditure was carefully reviewed, aligned with strategic priorities, and supported by evidence while maintaining compliance with provincial funding requirements.
"As Trustees, we have a responsibility to ensure every dollar entrusted to us is invested thoughtfully and responsibly," said Ralf Mesenbrink, Chair of the Upper Grand District School Board. "This budget reflects careful stewardship of public funds while remaining firmly focused on student learning and well-being. We are confident this budget positions the UGDSB to continue delivering high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for every learner."
The approved budget reflects several financial realities facing school boards across Ontario, including declining enrolment, rising operational costs, inflationary pressures, and increasing demand for specialized student supports. Through careful planning and a disciplined review of expenditures, the UGDSB has adopted a balanced budget that responds to these challenges while protecting core classroom supports and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
"Developing a balanced budget in today's environment requires disciplined planning and a clear understanding of priorities," said Scott Keys, UGDSB’s Chief Financial Officer. "By using zero-based budgeting and grounding our decisions in the Board's strategic priorities, we have developed financial estimates that are aligned, balanced, and compliant while ensuring resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact for students."
Approximately 97 per cent of the UGDSB's operating budget directly supports students, with the majority of funding dedicated to teaching and learning, school operations, transportation, and student services.
The UGDSB also approved its Capital Budget of $29.4 million to support the building new schools, school additions, and maintaining existing schools. The UGDSB currently has three Ministry of Education-approved Capital projects:
South Guelph Secondary School (new school for 900 students)
Mansfield Public Elementary School (new school for 328 students)
Rickson Ridge Public School (addition for 138 students)
The 2026–2027 Financial Estimates continue the UGDSB's commitment to turning vision into action, supporting student success today while building a strong foundation for the future.