Families in Cochrane, Ontario, are being asked to share their ideas on how local school money should be spent for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year. The District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) has launched an online survey to help officials understand what parents and students at École Secondaire Cochrane High School value most.
The survey is open until February 20, 2026, according to a DSB1 announcement, and gives residents a chance to weigh in on funding for student learning and mental health resources. Board officials say this feedback is a key part of how they plan for the future and to ensure provincial funding is directed toward community priorities.
Board Chair Jonathan Byer and Director of Education Lesleigh Dye say they are looking for ways to balance the budget while supporting local programs. Last year the board approved a $162,904,426 budget for the 2025–2026 school year. DSB1 has also prioritized a 1:1 iPad program (historically for Grades 4–12), which has been a notable line item in previous budgets.
Local student Summer Nickoshie, elected as a student trustee for the 2025–2026 term, represents the interests of students attending École Secondaire Cochrane High School on the board. The board typically approves its budget in June; officials expect the 2026–2027 budget to be finalized and approved in June 2026.
