Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board Adopts a Balanced Budget Amid $3.7M in Cuts
The Council of Commissioners of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board (SWLSB) adopted a balanced budget for the 2025–2026 school year during its regular meeting on October 29. The budget adoption follows $3.7 million in cuts resulting from new financial rules implemented by Québec’s Ministère de l’Éducation (MEQ).
The Council emphasized that achieving balance required difficult choices.
“This was a team effort,” said James Di Sano, Chairperson of the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board. “Our goal is to minimize the impact on our students, staff, and schools or centres as much as possible. These are not easy times, but we are committed to making the best decisions possible under the circumstances.”
The SWLSB noted that the potential impact of the new provincial budget rules on students and staff was mitigated through coordinated advocacy efforts by the Québec English School Boards Association (QESBA) and the province’s nine English school boards. Their joint legal challenge led to adjustments by the government both before and after a court hearing on a stay request, which reduced the immediate impact and allowed the boards to withdraw their request to suspend the rules.
The broader court challenge, however, continues in order to ensure that students’ needs are prioritized in future government budget decisions.
The Council expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the budgeting process, including administrators, governing boards, the Parents’ Committee, and the Audit Committee.
“We are grateful for their dedication, collaboration, and professionalism throughout this process,” the Council said in a statement.
The Board acknowledged that the required cuts will still be felt in schools but reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal responsibility and to advocating for students, families, and staff in a context of financial constraints.
With more than 2,000 employees, the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board is the third-largest English-language school board in Québec, serving over 14,000 students across Laval, the Laurentians, and Lanaudière. The Board oversees 36 schools and four adult/vocational centres and reports a graduation rate of 87.4%.
