For Immediate Release
June 18, 2026
Bluewater District School Board Passes Balanced Budget for 2026-2027
Chesley, ON – At the Regular Meeting of the Board on June 16, 2026, Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) trustees passed a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year.
The approved budget of $299,163,285 in revenues, $299,114,654 in expenses, and $48,631 in net reserve contributions aligns with the requirements of the Education Act and funding parameters that are set provincially by the Ministry of Education.
During a time of significant and increasing financial pressures, the budget was developed through the thoughtful and disciplined hard work of staff and strong trustee stewardship, with student success and BWDSB’s strategic plan priorities at the heart of decision-making.
As in previous years, planning was informed by community feedback from BWDSB’s budget public consultation survey held this past February. Input received revealed that ‘reading and writing skills,’ followed by ‘math’ and ‘student success,’ continue to be the educational programs and services ranking highest in priority.
Despite current constraints, targeted investments to address mental health, special education, safe schools, and skill development in math and literacy have been deliberately embedded within the 2026–2027 budget. This extends to flexible funding for enhancing students’
access to technology and improving supports for early years programming.
Key challenges as BWDSB navigates the path ahead include increasing student needs in special education and mental health, the push to improve literacy and math skills, and managing student capacity in high-growth areas. Additional pressures come from increased staff absences with limited qualified replacement workers, rising utilities and maintenance costs, growing capital and renewal demands for school facilities, uncertainty around potential tariff impacts, and upcoming labour negotiations.
“We are thankful to our trustees, staff, and community members who contributed to the development of our budget through their insight and hard work,” says Superintendent of Business Services and Treasurer Andrew Low. “Budget planning has become more complex, requiring a careful balance of competing priorities and risks. While working to meet ministry requirements, our budget reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing student achievement, promoting well-being, and ensuring every student has the support they need to learn and grow.”
Learn more by visiting BWDSB’s
2026-2027 budget web page.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jamie Pettit, Communications Officer
Bluewater District School Board
226-908-5739