​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Fair Funding for Students

The HDSB provides education for approximately 65,000 students in 113 schools and learning centres across Halton.​ In the last two years the HDSB has made significant reductions to eliminate the structural deficit and address enrolment decline and funding limitations. Even so, we have budgeted for a $7.1 million deficit and are required by regulation to eliminate this deficit next school year (2026-2027). 

To manage significant financial pressures, the HDSB has implemented cost-saving measures, with more reductions planned for the 2026–2027 school year. These changes are necessary to balance the budget within current provincial funding limits. A cautious approach to the 2025–2026 budget aims to contain costs while minimizing the impact on students, but system-wide adjustments are unavoidable.

While there is increased provincial funding for student transportation and temporary accommodations, other areas remain underfunded. Challenges include rising costs for supply staffing, increased employer contributions to CPP and outdated benchmarks for classroom technology and learning resources.

The 2025–2026 budget includes a $7.1 million deficit (0.83% of total funding), which will be covered by reserves, pending approval from the Ministry of Education. To help address these pressures, the proposed budget includes $9 million in reductions and the elimination of 90 staff positions. These changes will have a direct impact, including larger class sizes in some areas, reduced support for special education, and limited ability to maintain school buildings and renew classroom resources and technology.

Recent economic uncertainty about tariffs and the restrictions on US procurement for the public sector may result in additional cost pressures, and Core Education Funding may not account for these cost increases. Chair Collard has issued a letter to the Ontario Ministry of Education drawing attention to the funding school boards will need to ensure the US tariffs do not negatively impact student achievement and well-being.

The evolving economic landscape and uncertainty about tariff implications is being reflected in discussions with vendors, as staff renew services and contracts. The HDSB has procured learning resources, software licenses, construction materials, furniture and equipment from the US, whether directly from a US vendor or through a Canadian distributor. At the April 1, 2025 Board Meeting, Trustees approved a motion directing the HDSB to give preference to Canadian vendors. On April 7, 2025 the Government of Ontario issued a Procurement Restrictions Policy, outlining restrictions on use of US-based vendors. School boards typically conduct a competitive procurement process and select vendors based on best value for money. There is a possibility that, with these restrictions, the cost of procuring goods and services will increase. Most non-compensation benchmarks in the funding formula have remained unchanged since 2008, while inflation alone increased over 40% in this time span. ​​​