The Niagara Catholic District School Board’s annual budget has been approved by trustees.
The board will have $356 million for the 2026-2027 school year, as enrolment is expected to rise to 23,600 students.
Key highlights of the budget include enhanced technology investments, support for student well-being, and increased classroom support — with the promise to hire more teachers to
address classroom demands.
Meantime, the board has announced its first ever CEO, as legislated by the province.
Giancarlo Vetrone will serve in the role after being named Interim Director of Education in late May.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to be Niagara Catholic’s first Chief Executive Officer, and the challenges and rewards it brings, said Mr. Vetrone. Thank you to the Board of Trustees for your confidence in me and for giving me the privilege and honour to continue to lead the board. I actually entered this school board not 13 years ago (as an employee), but in 1978 as a JK student at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School. I am a proud alumnus of Saint Paul Catholic High School and a proud member of the Niagara community, so I hope to continue the legacy that is Niagara Catholic and to make all of you very proud of the work that’s been done before me, and the work that will continue beyond today. I look forward to building upon the legacy left behind by our preceding Directors of Education and working alongside our strong senior leadership team to support our students, staff, and families.”
An announcement will be made regarding a Chief Education Officer when one is selected.
The Ontario government announced the Putting Student Achievement First Act (Bill 101) to overhaul school board governance.
The sweeping education reforms shift management at English and Catholic school boards toward a business-like model, replacing current Directors of Education with dual executive roles: a Chief Executive Officer with business qualifications and a Chief Education Officer with an education background.
Story and photo credit: Bonnie Heslop
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