FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic School Trustees Approve $201.97M Budget to Strengthen Student Success and Well-Being
Brantford, ON – July 22, 2025 – The Trustees of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board have approved a $201.97 million operating budget for the upcoming school year, reinforcing the district’s commitment to teaching and learning, wellness, and belonging for all.
This budget reflects the district’s focus on enhancing student learning through targeted investments in classroom resources, technology, innovative instructional strategies, and supportive learning environments. These efforts are designed to ensure every student has the tools and opportunities to thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Recognizing the importance of direct support in the classroom, the 2025–26 budget allocates funding to maintain and strengthen staffing levels, ensuring students have access to the resources they need.
The budget also provides for the implementation of additional classroom supports to assist educators in meeting the diverse needs of students. This includes funding for additional classroom teachers, English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers, Special Education staff, Child and Youth Workers, Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants, and Library Resource Staff. This commitment to increased staffing will further enhance student learning and the overall classroom experience.
As outlined in the district’s Strategic Plan, student and staff wellness remains a top priority. Dedicated resources will support special education, mental health initiatives, and programs that foster a sense of belonging and resilience across all school communities.
To further support student success, the Board has strategically allocated a portion of its accumulated surplus to key priorities, including enhancements to learning spaces, classroom technology, new curriculum resources, and expanded support for the Safe Schools program and extracurricular activities.
The approved budget also includes measures to enhance school safety, such as infrastructure improvements, emergency preparedness, and initiatives that promote respectful, caring, and faith-filled environments.
“As a Catholic school board, it is important that we continue to focus on celebrating the considerable achievements of our students and staff,” said Carol Luciani, Chair of the Board. “This student-centred budget will allow us to meet our primary goal – ensuring enriched student learning within a safe, inclusive, equitable, faith filled and welcoming environment for all.”
“The BHNCDSB continues to grow, with a 20% increase in student enrolment over the past five years,” shared Mike McDonald, Director of Education. “This growth, combined with the strategic allocation of resources through this budget, has enabled us to significantly increase staffing and classroom supports to meet our goals of excellence in teaching and learning, wellness, and belonging in our faith-based community.”
The Board is confident that the 2025–26 budget represents a meaningful investment in ensuring that schools remain places where students feel supported, safe, and inspired to reach their full potential.
For additional information and budget details, please refer to the 2025–26 Operating and Capital Budget Report available in the July 22, 2025 Budget Committee Meeting Agenda.
Media Contact:
Tracey Austin
Manager of Communications and Community Relations
Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board
📧 taustin@bhncdsb.ca | 🌐 CatholicEducation.ca
