Lakehead District School Board adopts balanced 2026/27 budget with modest increase
Jun 24, 2026
Trustees with the Lakehead District School Board adopted a balanced 2026-2027 budget on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 during its final regular Board meeting before summer adjournment.
The $181,745,016 capital and operating budget is a modest increase over 2025-26 and continues to put a strategic focus on student success, well-being and reconciliation.
“This balanced budget shows our fiscal responsibility while reaffirming our commitment to meeting the increasingly diverse priorities of our school communities through strategic investments,” said Lakehead District School Board of Trustees Chair Ron Oikonen.
“We would like to thank CEO Sherri-Lynne Pharand, Superintendent of Business Kirsti Alaksa and their staff for their leadership and dedication in delivering a budget that is committed to the success of every student.”
Guided by the three core principles of the Board’s 2025-2029 Multi-Year Strategic Plan of Belong, Succeed and Reconcile, key highlights of the 2026-2027 budget include:
Belong – Creating Inclusive, Safe, and Supportive Environments
• continued investment in mental health and well-being supports, including social workers, attendance counsellors, and child and youth counsellors, ensuring responsive supports across the system;
• targeted supports for multilingual learners and Indigenous education, addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable outcomes;
• sustained early years programming enhancements, including early childhood educator supports and transition-to-kindergarten resources, strengthening student readiness and belonging from the outset; and
• approximately $10.7 million in capital and IT investmentsto maintain safe, modern, and accessible learning environments.
Succeed – Promoting Excellence and Future-Ready Learning
• continued funding for math and literacy coaches and professional learning, strengthening instructional practice and improving student achievement;
• sustained support for diverse programming, including music, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, trades, and experiential learning, offering multiple pathways to success;
• ongoing investment in experiential and land-based learning, including the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre and dedicated experiential learning resources;
• expansion of Specialist High Skills Majors and signature programs including the Edge Hockey Academy, Superior Volleyball Academy, Hospitality, Information & Communication Technology, and Health & Wellness SHSM.
Reconcile – Advancing Indigenous Education and Partnerships
• continued investment in Indigenous language programming, graduation coaches, and student support workers, enhancing culturally responsive supports and improving outcomes for Indigenous students; and
• expanded access to land-based learning, cultural programming, and dedicated Indigenous education staff, fostering identity, engagement, and community connection.
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