Windsor-Essex school board approves 2025-26 budget with $1M deficit and 145 staff cuts, blaming provincial underfunding for service reductions.
Board Approves Deficit Budget with Major Cuts
The Greater Essex County District School Board has passed its 2025–2026 budget with a nearly $1 million shortfall, despite widespread concerns over the impact of 145.5 staff position cuts and the elimination of several key educational programs. The vote took place Tuesday night in Windsor, Ontario.
Pressure from Province Drives Decision
The budget was passed by a 7–2 trustee vote, with members expressing frustration at being legally required to pass a financially balanced plan by 2026–27. The board had previously received special approval from the Ministry of Education to run a $6.4 million deficit for 2024–25, under the condition that it implement a multi-year recovery strategy.
Trustees warned that failure to approve the budget could trigger provincial supervision of board operations. “This stinks less than supervision,” said Trustee Julia Burgess, who voted in favour while criticizing the province for “downloading” political responsibility onto local school boards.
Programs and Services on the Chopping Block
The approved budget includes major reductions in educational support, such as the elimination of two full-time social workers and five professionals including psychologists and speech-language pathologists.
Program cuts include:
- Termination of French Immersion at Marlborough and Forest Glade Public Schools
- Elimination of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program
- Cancellation of the IB program at Leamington District Secondary School
- Phased removal of the IB program at Riverside Secondary School
Additionally, 20.5 central office roles will be removed to meet financial targets.
Trustees Blame Shortfalls on Provincial Funding Gaps
Trustees who opposed the budget said the board’s deficit is a result of insufficient provincial funding, not internal mismanagement. “What we have is a Ministry of Education funding problem,” said Trustee Kim McKinley, who voted against the motion. “This budget impacts students in numerous ways.”
Board data shows:
- A $8.5 million shortfall in special education funding
- A $7 million shortfall for supply and occasional teachers
- Inadequate provincial transfers for regulated services like student transportation
Board staff noted that revenues from international student tuition, school rentals, and interest income were used to offset shortfalls, but could not fully cover the gaps.
Declining Enrolment Adds to Fiscal Pressure
Enrolment across the district is expected to decline by 950 students in 2025–26, further straining the board’s budget, which is funded on a per-student basis. Contributing factors include:
- Lower kindergarten enrolment
- Families choosing homeschooling or private schools
- Some students returning to home countries post-pandemic
Trustee Linda Qin, who also opposed the budget, urged the board to engage families and address the reasons behind declining enrolment.
Renewed Appeal to the Province
Following the vote, the board agreed to send another letter to the Ministry of Education, again requesting urgent financial support. Last year, the board had written to then-Education Minister Todd Smith, seeking increased funding for special education and frontline staff.
A spokesperson for the ministry stated in response that provincial funding has increased by 20% since 2018, despite stable enrolment, and emphasized ongoing investments in education and student success.
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