More students coming, more schools needed; WCDSB releases annual report

The next decade is set to see enrolment in Waterloo Region schools skyrocket, and with an ever-growing student body, more schools are needed.

That from the Waterloo Catholic District School Board in its annual report.

The local Catholic board is getting ready to open five new schools in the next two years, two of which are set to open next school year.

All to address growing enrolment numbers.

This past school year saw student enrolment in the Catholic school board jump 5.6 per cent.

Heading into next school year, the board says enrolment is already up 4.1 per cent.

The new schools coming to a neighbourhood near you in September 2025 include a new St. Patrick School in East Kitchener and a school in the Rosenberg subdivision of South West Kitchener.

In 2026, three new schools are set to be ready for students in the Catholic board.

This includes Grade 7-12 school in East Kitchener, an elementary school in South East Cambridge, and new elementary school in Baden.

The school in Baden though, is still waiting on construction delays with the school site, not yet available.

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The report reads, “Despite these projects, the need for additional space remains critical, with current sites already oversubscribed and reliant on portable classrooms. Requests for further capital funding have been submitted to the province to ensure that future requirements can be met.”

Budget wise, the board is boasting a balanced budget for 2025.

The full annual report can be read here.