Trustees with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board have approved a balanced operating budget of more than $552 million for the 2026-27 school year, while also recognizing the contributions of retiring Director of Education Rita Russo and outgoing student trustees at their final regular meeting of the term.
Trustees approved an operating budget of $552.3 million and a capital budget of $60.8 million during their meeting Tuesday evening.
Board officials say the budget complies with provincial requirements and was developed around priorities identified in the board’s strategic plan, with a continued focus on supporting students and staff in classrooms.
Board chair Paul Brown said trustees remain committed to directing available resources to areas of greatest need while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.
“In developing a budget for the next school year, our focus and main priority is always to do everything we can to ensure that the dollars we have are directed to where they are needed most – supporting our students and staff in classrooms,” says Paul Brown,
The board continues to face financial pressures in several key areas, including transportation and special education, and plans to continue advocating to the province for funding that reflects rising costs, Brown said.
Enrolment for the coming school year is projected at 34,908 students, including declines of 303 elementary students and 174 secondary students compared with the current year.
Despite the enrolment decrease, the budget includes approximately $80 million for special education programming and services.
The capital budget allocates more than $60 million toward construction of new schools in Bowmanville, Newcastle and Millbrook, as well as a range of school renewal and improvement projects across the district.
Brown said ongoing investments in school facilities help ensure learning environments remain welcoming, engaging and supportive for students.
“We continue to invest significantly, every year, in improvements and enhancements to our schools. We want to ensure our learning environments remain fresh, inviting and engaging for all students,” says Brown.
The meeting also marked the final board appearance for retiring Director of Education and Chief Executive Officer Rita Russo.
Trustees thanked Russo for her years of service and leadership, praising her commitment to student success and creating inclusive school communities.
Brown described Russo as a student-centred educator whose focus on belonging and well-being has been a defining feature of her leadership.
Trustees also recognized outgoing student trustees Nevyn Ghori and Julia Redwood for their contributions over the past year.
The pair were thanked for bringing student perspectives to board discussions and helping support student-centred decision-making.
Several students and staff members were also honoured with Accolade Awards during the meeting.
Clarington Central Secondary School students Trista Cowan, Lauren Dunlop, Julian Mayer and Ethin Littlejohn were recognized after capturing a gold medal in the relay event at the provincial Special Olympics track and field championships.
Colborne Public School teacher Chad Morford received an award recognizing more than 20 years of service and leadership in music education. Trustees highlighted his role in building a comprehensive music program and establishing the school’s drum line, which has performed across Ontario and beyond.
In other business, trustees approved the 2025-26 Special Education Plan for submission to the Ministry of Education and approved revisions to several board policies.
The meeting was the final regular board session before the end of the 2025-26 school year.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
