Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board Approves Balanced Budget

At a Special Board Meeting held on June 29, 2026, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) adopted a balanced operating budget of $70,326,725 for the 2026-2027 school year.

The budget is aligned with Ministry of Education priorities and the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (ENDs), supporting key areas of focus including the achievement of learning outcomes in core academic skills, the preparation of students for future success, student engagement and well-being, Catholic faith formation, and Indigenous education. The 2026-2027 budget demonstrates NPSC’s continued commitment to student success and well-being, while remaining fully compliant with Ministry of Education balanced budget legislation.

The 2026-2027 budget includes a 1.97% increase in revenues over the 2025-2026 school year and reflects a projected overall enrolment increase of approximately 1%.

“This budget allows us to continue making meaningful investments in our students through rich programs and opportunities while maintaining fiscal responsibility, sound stewardship, and strong governance both now and into the future,” said Shawn Fitzsimmons, CPA, Chair of the Board.

Grounded in the Catholic faith, the budget includes investments and continued supports in the following areas:

• Continued emphasis on core academic areas such as literacy, early reading screening, and mathematics support in all schools.
• Expanded experiential learning opportunities in the skilled trades for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
• Enhanced technological education offerings at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, including a robotics program.
• A new Specialist High Skills Major program offering in Health and Wellness at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall.
• Ongoing mental health and well-being supports and services in all schools.
• Continued integration of new Catholic education resources supporting the Family Life Education program, alongside Board chaplaincy support.
• Continued specialty program offerings for all intermediate students, including Instrumental Music, Innovation Design and Technology, and Home Economics.  
• Increased special education staffing levels.
• Robust and ongoing supports for student success including the continuation of Indigenous Graduation Coaches for Grades 7 - 12 and an elementary Special Assignment Teacher in Indigenous education supporting the integration of Indigenous perspectives and culture throughout the curriculum.  
• A new partnership with Canadore College through the Kikandaaswiwin Mookiisin program, creating dual credit opportunities for secondary students while expanding access to culturally rooted experiential learning supported by Elders, ceremony, language, and Indigenous mentors.
• Professional development support for educators and students in the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and the development of key AI literacy skills to support success in education. 
• Licensed access for each teacher to the Nelson Edwin digital platform through the Learning Resources Fund, providing curriculum-aligned classroom resources to support the delivery of the Ontario curriculum.
• Enhanced parent engagement initiatives through the NPSC Parent Involvement Committee and Catholic School Advisory Councils. 
• Continued opportunities to promote health and physical activity at both the elementary and secondary levels, fostering lifelong physical literacy, active living, and overall student well-being.

“The 2026-2027 budget equips us with the tools needed to continue nurturing our learners in a holistic way — mind, body, and spirit,” said Paula Mann, Chief Executive Officer. “It reflects thoughtful investments in the people, programs, and supports that strengthen academic growth, Catholic faith formation, and student well-being. This work truly animates our vision, Rooted in Faith, Alive in Spirit.”

The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board extends its deep gratitude to the dedicated administrative staff who worked diligently to prepare a financially sustainable budget that reflects strong stewardship of resources and is aligned with Ministry of Education priorities, the Board’s Catholic values and its Multi-Year Strategic Plan.