Investing in Students: St. Clair Catholic Trustees Approve Balanced $160.6M Budget
The Board of Trustees has approved a balanced $160.6 million budget for the 2026–2027 school year, reinforcing St. Clair Catholic’s commitment to responsible stewardship and strategic investment in the priorities that matter most: student achievement, well-being, and Catholic faith formation.
The financial plan reflects years of thoughtful decision making and long-term capital planning, allowing the Board to direct resources where they have the greatest influence and ensure students continue to learn in safe, modern, and supportive environments.
“Our 2026–2027 budget reflects the strength of our long-term planning and our commitment to investing directly in students,” says Amy Park, Associate Director – Corporate Services. “Because of careful stewardship and responsible decisions over many years, we are able to maintain a balanced budget while continuing to support the programs, people, and environments that help students learn and grow.”
A major focus of this year’s budget is the creation of 17 new Special Education and mental health positions, expanding the Board’s capacity to meet diverse learning needs and provide timely, compassionate support for students. These new roles strengthen school based teams, enhance early intervention, and ensure students receive the assistance they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
“This budget reflects our deep commitment to helping every student believe, achieve, and accompany one another in faith and learning,” says Lisa Demers, Director of Education. “Our Trustees have consistently supported decisions that put students first. Their leadership ensures we can continue investing in the programs, people, and environments that help our young people thrive.”
Key highlights of the 2026–2027 budget include:
• 17 new positions in Special Education and mental health
• Continued investment in numeracy achievement
• Ongoing investment in faith formation
• Sustained commitment to school renewal, maintenance, and accessibility
Strong Enrolment and Long-Term Planning
St. Clair Catholic continues to experience strong enrolment across the district, with secondary schools (St. Patrick’s Catholic High School in Sarnia and Ursuline College Chatham) exceeding the previous year’s projections. This growth strengthens the Board’s long term financial position and reflects the confidence families place in Catholic education and our board.
Capital Renewal and Accessibility
Over the past six years, the Board has opened three new schools and completed two major renovations, resulting in modern, efficient, and accessible facilities across the system. With schools now in excellent condition, the Board is able to spread resources across more sites, making targeted improvements that benefit more students.
The 2026–2027 budget supports the Board’s new Multi Year Strategic Plan, which calls the system to strengthen Catholic education and create learning environments where students are supported to believe in themselves, achieve their God given potential, and accompany one another with dignity and compassion.
