With revenues of $835.2 million, expenditures of $854.2 million, and a $19 million deficit, the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) has approved its 2026-27 budget.
Next year’s shortfall is expected to be covered by operating reserves, or savings.
Though provincial funding is expected to increase by $88.1 million for 2026-27 year over year, the district is projecting budgeted expenditures to increase by $112.2 million.
Among other factors, the increase boils down to salary and benefit increases, resulting from locally bargained salary settlements that are funded through CCSD’s operating budget, additional staffing for classroom complexity teams, teachers for the Class Size Reduction Grant and enrolment growth, according to a district-issued release.
The district also said that an investment of $6 million in start-up costs, which are not covered by provincial funding, for four future schools anticipated to open in fall 2027 and costs related to transportation will make up approximately two-thirds of the district’s budgeted operating deficit.
Lory Iovinelli, CCSD Board Chair, said that while the board appreciates the province supporting new school construction and increasing transportation funding, costs to open new schools and for transportation continue to rise, and funding is not keeping pace.
“In support of families and to assist with changes to provincially defined eligibility, transportation fees for CCSD schools in Calgary will not increase in 2026 -2027,” she said in a CCSD-issued statement.
“Continuing to rely on savings to address these shortfalls is not sustainable, and those resources should be prioritized for classrooms and student learning.”
As shared during the May 6 Board of Trustees meeting, the district saved more cash than they predicted during the 2025-26 school year, nearly $30 million, which will roll into next year for hiring purposes.
“While Budget 2025 -2026 projected that district savings would be fully utilized, the district realized savings in some areas,” Chief Superintendent Dr. Bryan Szumlas said.
“With more than 80 per cent of our budget dedicated to staffing, natural transitions and the timing of filling positions resulted in savings that will be used to support student success, helping students know Christ and realize their full potential.”
