General

Lakehead District School Board approves balanced 2025/26 budget

Jun 25, 2025

(Thunder Bay, ON) – The Lakehead District School Board approved its balanced 2025-2026 budget on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 during its final regular Board meeting before summer adjournment.

The $180,304,289 capital and operating budget is an increase of $8,871,089 from the 2024-25 year and was created to focus on student success, well-being and reconciliation.

“The Lakehead District School Board is proud to deliver a balanced budget that responds to the evolving and diverse needs of our students, staff and community,” said Lakehead District School Board of Trustees Chair Leah Vanderwey.

“After careful consultation, this budget is a collaborative reflection of stakeholder priorities that puts students first.”

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 2025-2026 budget include:

Belong-Providing Environments Where Everyone Belongs

  • the provision of staff and resources to support our multi language learners and our Indigenous Education Framework, which directly advance equitable opportunities for students facing systemic barriers
  • the maintained support of a mental health lead, social workers, attendance counsellors, child youth counsellors, programs, and resources to support the mental health and well-being of students and staff
  • the provision of an early years resource teacher, central early childhood educator support, and classroom resources to aid the transition to kindergarten. These resources aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment for younger learners, contributing to a sense of belonging
  • the expansion of Edsby into elementary to ensure consistency in communication with students and caregivers
  • capital improvements to facilities and IT infrastructure to ensure LDSB continues to provide essential resources and a safe learning environment. These improvements support student success and address the diverse needs of all learners.

Succeed-Holding High Expectations for All Learners

  • the provision of elementary and secondary math and literacy coaches, and staff professional development. This directly aligns with the strategic goal to deliver meaningful professional development that aligns with school and learner needs
  • the continued support of many elementary and secondary programs such as: elementary culinary, instrumental music, one to one devices in secondary, the International Baccalaureate Programme, advanced placement programs and trades programs. This helps in building digital literacy and prepare students for future success in a changing world
  • the introduction of a dedicated experiential resource teacher and continued commitment to the Kingfisher Outdoor Education Centre. This provides experiential, land-based, and authentic learning opportunities for students
  • the introduction of new programs, including the Lakehead Public Schools Edge Hockey Academy, Westgate Hospitality Specialist High Skills Major, and Superior Environmental Specialist High Skills Major, directly aligns with developing transferable skills and preparing students for future success

Reconcile – Committing to a Spirit and Journey of Reconciliation

  • allocating staff and resources to support Indigenous Languages, along with continued funding for graduation coaches and student support workers. These efforts aim to enhance Indigenous student success by integrating Indigenous perspectives and practices into teaching and learning
  • introducing a literacy intervention and engagement teacher, a land-based learning educator, and expanding cultural alternative education programs. These initiatives aim to enhance dedicated and welcoming spaces for Indigenous cultural practices