ECSD Board of Trustees Approves 2025-2026 Division Operating Budget
At its May 28, 2025 Public Board Meeting, the Edmonton Catholic Schools Board of Trustees approved the Division Operating Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year. The $625.7 million budget reflects a commitment to student learning amid rising enrolment and inflationary pressures.
With enrolment projected to increase by 2.4% to 51,294 students, the Division faces growing demands on resources. To address a $12.1 million operating deficit, ECSD will draw $11.7 million from its Accumulated Surplus from Operations (ASO).
The 2025-2026 Division Operating Budget is based on Alberta Education’s new funding model, the Adjusted Enrolment Method (AEM) model, which bases 70% of funding on projected students for 2025-2026 and 30% on 2024-2025 estimated students. By the end of September 2025, the Division anticipates enrolment to grow by more than 1,187 students (2.4%), resulting in 438 more students funded through the AEM calculation.
“This budget is a strategic response to our Division’s growth and the increasing complexity of student needs,” said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo. “While we welcome the province’s new funding model, it does not fully offset the cost pressures we face. Drawing on our ASO is not sustainable long term, but it is necessary at this time to respond to support our students and staff. Our priority remains delivering an excellent Catholic education.”
Budget Highlights:
- The total number of students for the 2025-2026 school year is forecast to increase by 2.4%, with growth expected across most grades.
- 78.7% of the budget is directed to instruction and supporting students in the classroom, ensuring that teaching and learning remains the central focus.
- The Division will continue to fund schools based on enrolment and provide additional funding allocations for schools based on needs.
- With 1,588 students requiring specialized support, the Division has increased funding for inclusive education by $1.8 million.
- $2.5 million is dedicated to the rollout of new curriculum, including resources for French Immersion programs.
- Transportation fees are increasing due to a gap between provincial funding and the actual cost of providing student transportation.
- Planning continues for two new Catholic high schools and a K-9 school in northwest Edmonton, alongside the addition of modular classrooms to accommodate enrolment growth.
To help sustain student transportation services, the Division has increased transportation fees for the 2025-2026 school year. While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects the growing gap between provincial funding and the actual cost of delivering safe and reliable transportation. The adjustment helps ensure resources remain focused on classrooms, where they are needed most.
“We understand the fee increase is challenging for families, especially as the cost of living continues to rise,” said Chief Superintendent Lynnette Anderson. “We are doing everything we can to keep fees as reasonable as possible while maintaining safe service and protecting classroom funding.”
The Division’s system administration costs remain at 2.6% of total expenditures, well below the provincial cap of 3.2%, allowing more funds to be directed to classrooms.
“We are committed to prudent financial stewardship,” said Board Chair Sandra Palazzo. “By directing resources to where they are needed most, we are working to support every student’s success.”
The approved 2025-2026 Division Budget will now be submitted to Alberta Education.