The Upper Grand District School Board wrapped up its 2026-27 spending plan on June 29, approving a $528.7 million operating budget that directs 97 cents of every dollar straight into classrooms and student services across Guelph, Wellington County, and Dufferin County.
Board chair Ralf Mesenbrink said the budget reflects careful handling of public money during a time of declining enrolment. The board expects 34,468 full-time students next year, down nearly three per cent. That drop means 182 fewer full-time equivalent staff positions, with the total falling from 3,701 this year to 3,519 in 2026-27.
Most of the spending continues to fund teaching, learning, school operations, transportation, and student services. The biggest single pressure is supply staff costs, pegged at $19 million to cover teacher absences.
The board also approved a $29.4 million capital budget. That money is already at work on three major building projects: the brand-new South Guelph Secondary School (officially named Two Rivers Secondary School) on Arkell Road—set to welcome 900 students this September as the first new public high school in Guelph since 1967—plus a new 328-student Mansfield Public Elementary School and a 138-spot addition at Rickson Ridge Public School.
Schools are also putting dollars toward literacy and math help, mental health supports, equity work, and sustainability projects under the board’s Vision 2026+ plan. Rising costs and more demand for specialized student supports added pressure, but officials say every expense was checked against board priorities through a zero-based budgeting process.
Revenue inched up 0.5 per cent from last year’s $499.9 million budget, while expenses dipped 2.3 per cent. The board called the plan balanced and compliant with provincial rules.
