Ontario Announces $30.3 Billion in Education Funding for 2025-26
The Ontario Ministry of Education announced on May 23 that it will provide $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding for the 2025-26 school year. According to the Ministry, this funding is intended to support staffing, resources, and infrastructure for schools across Ontario.
The Ministry states that this story is relevant to residents as it covers how provincial funding will be allocated for school staffing, student supports, school maintenance, special education, and transportation, affecting communities throughout Ontario.
According to the Ministry, $16.5 billion will be allocated to support classroom staff, including teachers, kindergarten early childhood educators, and educational assistants. The Ministry also reports that $4.7 billion will be assigned to staff who support students outside the classroom—such as librarians, guidance counsellors, mental health workers, and school administrators—as well as classroom materials and equipment. According to the Ministry, funding for special education will total $3.9 billion to provide supports and resources for students with special education needs. The Ministry also reports that $3 billion will be provided for school board operations, including the operation, maintenance, renovation, and renewal of school buildings. The Ministry says transportation services will receive $1.4 billion in funding.
The Ministry of Education reports that school renewal funding will increase to $2 billion for 2025-26, primarily through capital funding to modernize and update school facilities. The Ministry states that $1.3 billion will be distributed through the Capital Priorities program to support 45 new school projects and expansions. According to the Ministry, these initiatives are expected to create more than 25,000 new student spaces and over 1,600 licensed child care spaces across 23 school boards.
The province states that school boards are responsible for managing these allocations, educational programming, and student performance. According to the Ministry, the government may conduct reviews and financial investigations if concerns arise regarding a school board’s financial management or program performance. Since April 2025, Ontario has appointed a supervisor for the Thames Valley District School Board and started financial investigations at the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, and Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, according to the province.