ECSD Board of Trustees Approves 2026–2027 Division Operating Budget
June 17, 2026
At its June 17, 2026 Public Board Meeting, the Edmonton Catholic Schools Board of Trustees approved the Division Operating Budget for the 2026–2027 school year. The $712.9 million budget reflects a continued focus on student learning, supported by increased provincial funding and careful management of rising costs.
The Division will receive a significant increase in funding from Alberta Education and Childcare for 2026–2027, driven by enrolment growth, rate increases, and additional targeted investments.
“This budget reflects meaningful progress in provincial investment in education, enabling us to add teachers and classroom supports as we respond to growing enrolment and increasingly complex student needs,” said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo. “At the same time, rising costs and continued growth require careful financial stewardship, and our focus remains firmly on supporting students and learning in our classrooms."
Budget 2026–2027 reflects increased provincial allocations due to Alberta’s funding model, which uses a blend of projected and actual enrolment to determine funding allocations. However, it also requires the prudent use of Accumulated Surplus for Operations as a short-term solution to rising costs.
Budget Highlights
- Total provincial funding has increased significantly, contributing to overall revenue growth of more than $90 million year over year.
- Enrolment is projected to increase by 1.8%, or approximately 937 students, continuing a five-year trend of sustained growth.
- Approximately 80% of expenditures are directed to classroom instruction (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12), maintaining a strong focus on classroom learning.
- Increased provincial funding is supporting the addition of staff, including more teachers and supports, to respond to classroom complexity and support class size reduction.
- Inclusive education remains a priority, with a $2.8 million increase in Specialized Learning Support, along with classroom complexity funding that is supporting additional teachers and classroom supports for students with diverse needs.
- Continued investment in curriculum implementation, including teacher training, new classroom resources, and Division-developed supports to ensure high-quality, consistent learning across schools.
- Transportation fees are adjusted to reflect rising costs and increased demand, helping maintain service without redirecting funding from classrooms
- Planning continues for new schools, modular classrooms, and capital projects to address growth and space pressures across the Division.
How We Are Managing the Budget
Approximately 84% of the Division’s funding comes from the Province, underscoring the importance of stable and sustained investment in education. While provincial funding has increased this year, it does not fully keep pace with rising costs, including salaries, inflation, and continued enrolment growth.
To manage this gap, the Division has planned a reduced draw from its Accumulated Surplus from Operations, using $5.8 million to maintain supports and services for students and classrooms, reflecting a continued effort to decrease reliance on reserves.
“We remain focused on directing resources where they have the greatest impact, in our classrooms and in support of student success,” said Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson. “Over the last three years, we have taken steps to reduce our reliance on the ASO This budget reflects careful planning to support students today while managing long-term sustainability.”
System administration costs remain below the provincial cap, ensuring the majority of funding continues to be invested directly in schools and classrooms.
The approved 2026–2027 Division Operating Budget will now be submitted to Alberta Education and Childcare.