Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board Approves Balanced Budget Focused on Student Success and Strategic Priorities for 2025-2026
At a Special Board Meeting held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) proudly approved its 2025-2026 budget of $68,247,689.00 for submission to the Ministry of Education.
Rooted in the Board’s mission and vision, and guided by its Multi-Year Strategic Plan (ENDs), this budget reflects a deep commitment to student achievement, well-being, Catholic faith formation, equity, Indigenous education, and innovation. Fully compliant with the Ministry of Education’s balanced budget legislation, the plan includes a 2.82% increase over the 2024-2025 school year.
“The balanced budget approved by our Board of Trustees for the upcoming school year reflects our commitment to excellence in governance and the responsible stewardship of resources focused on our students,” said Shawn Fitzsimmons, Chair of the Board. “It prioritizes the holistic development of our learners, enhances classroom supports, and ensures long-term financial sustainability – all aligned with our Board’s strategic ENDs.”
With overall enrolment projected to remain relatively stable – expected to increase at a rate of less than 1% over last year – with notable growth anticipated at the secondary level, NPSC’s 2025-2026 budget includes key investments supported by Core Education Funding and Responsive Education Programs Funding provided by the Government of Ontario.
These investments, designed to enhance student achievement and well-being across several priority areas, include:
- Early Reading screening support in the Early Years (Kindergarten to Grade 3) program.
- Mathematics facilitator support in all schools.
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) resources for all schools, including land-based robotics kits.
- Skilled Trades and Technological Education offerings at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, including a robotics program.
- Continued 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 continued Board chaplaincy support.
- Continued specialty program offerings for all intermediate students, such as Instrumental Music, Innovation Design and Technology, and Home Economics.
- Increased Special Education staffing levels.
- Increased Indigenous education staffing, including the addition of a Grade 7 – 12 Indigenous Graduation Coach and the continued role of a K – 8 Indigenous Education Special Assignment Teacher to support the integration of Indigenous perspectives and culture throughout the curriculum.
- Guidance and support for educators and students in the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in education.
- Continued support of parent engagement initiatives through the NPSC Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and Catholic School Advisory Councils (CSAC).
- Expansion of the Hockey Canada Skills Academy program at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, now entering its fourth successful year.
“We are grateful and excited that the 2025-2026 budget allows us to continue providing high quality programs and services that help our students thrive,” said Paula Mann, Director of Education. “These investments also enable the introduction of new resources to enhance learning while upholding the core values at the heart of Catholic education. As always, we remain committed to keeping students at the center of every decision we make – ensuring that each learner is supported, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
The Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board extends its sincere appreciation to our dedicated administration staff who worked diligently to prepare a budget that is both fiscally responsible and deeply aligned with our Catholic values and the student outcomes defined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan.