Community Message from CEO Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini and Chair of The Board, Maria Felix Miller

Dear HWDSB Community, 

We are writing to reconnect with you following last evening’s Board Meeting, where Trustees approved a deficit budget for the 2026–2027 school year. It is important to us that we continue to communicate openly about the decisions before us and the path forward. 

As part of this work, we also want to provide an update on our 2025–2026 financial position. Previously, we shared a projected deficit of $4.6 million. As planning has progressed and additional financial pressures have been confirmed, the projected deficit has been revised to $8.1 million. We are confident in our understanding of the current financial position and continue to actively monitor expenditures while identifying opportunities to reduce costs. As with any forecast, adjustments may be required as new information becomes available, and we will update our outlook accordingly. 

Like many school boards across Ontario, HWDSB continues to face significant cost pressures that require measured and responsible action to ensure long-term sustainability. Throughout this process, our priority is to keep resources as close to the classroom as possible. Protecting the learning environment and supporting student achievement and well-being continue to guide our decisions.  

At the same time, responding to these financial realities has required us to make shifts across the system—including decisions that impact people. These decisions are never taken lightly, and we remain committed to approaching them with care, respect, and transparency. 

To manage this situation, we are taking responsible steps. These include developing the 2026–2027 budget in a conservative manner, continuing to invest in managing short-term supply costs, and adjusting staffing levels to align with available funding. In addition, we are streamlining software and digital tools while maintaining essential supports, adjusting our computer replacement plan, and reducing spending in non-discretionary areas while maintaining critical seasonal services such as cleaning and snow removal. 

Throughout this work, student achievement and well-being remain at the centre of every decision. We continue to be guided by trust and transparency in how we lead and communicate, and we encourage staff and families to stay informed through materials shared at the Finance & Facilities Committee and the dedicated budget section of the HWDSB website. 

As we move forward, our commitments remain strong. We will continue to uphold Human Rights, advance Indigenous Education, and further the priorities outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan. 

In challenging times, our shared Values guide us. We will lead with dignity, act with compassion, and build trust through transparency and care for one another—while holding onto joy as our shared purpose in supporting student success, well-being, and future readiness. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our schools. 

Sincerely, 

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini 
CEO 
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 

Maria Felix Miller 
Chair of HWDSB’s Board of Trustees and Ward 3 Trustee 

To see how HWDSB uses their budget responsibly, please click here or view images below.