New program aims to ensure classrooms have essential materials without teachers paying out of pocket
The Ontario government says it will provide direct funding to elementary school homeroom teachers for classroom materials beginning in the 2026–27 school year, a move officials say is designed to ensure teachers have the supplies they need without paying for them personally.
Announced Wednesday in Etobicoke, the new Classroom Supplies Fund will give each elementary homeroom teacher access to $750 annually for classroom materials. The initiative will be included in the province’s 2026 budget and is intended to streamline how teachers obtain basic supplies for their classrooms.
According to the provincial government, the funding will be distributed through a dedicated online platform where teachers can order supplies directly for delivery to their schools. The program is part of broader efforts by the province to strengthen Ontario’s education system and improve student outcomes.
“Our government is making record investments so that our students have the support and supplies they need to succeed and grow in school,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The new $750 Classroom Supplies Card will give teachers across the province access to the resources they need, without forcing them to cover the costs themselves or wait to be reimbursed. It’s just one of the ways we are supporting our students and teachers while ensuring Ontario’s education system is focused on student success.”
Direct ordering system planned for teachers
Under the plan, beginning in September 2026, teachers will receive a Classroom Supplies Card directing them to the provincial website. From there, they will be able to select classroom materials from a curated catalogue of commonly used supplies.
Items available on the platform are expected to include writing tools, notebooks, calculators, chalk, arts and crafts materials, tissues and paper towels. The government says the online ordering system will allow teachers to obtain supplies without paying up front and waiting for reimbursement through their school boards.
The province says the system is designed to standardize access to classroom materials and ensure that supplies reach classrooms more consistently across Ontario’s elementary schools.
“Our government continues to make record investments to build an effective and strong education system. We are committed to protecting student learning and ensuring teachers have the support they need for every student to thrive,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “We will continue to strengthen accountability across the system and ensure that every investment is focused on student success and reaches the classroom where it matters most.”
Addressing teachers’ out-of-pocket costs
Education officials say the initiative responds to concerns that many teachers have been purchasing classroom supplies using their own money.
While school boards already receive funding intended for classroom resources, provincial officials say those funds do not always reach individual classrooms in a consistent way.
“We know that many teachers have been paying out of pocket for supplies. That isn’t fair for teachers or students,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “While school boards receive funding for classroom resources, we have not always seen those dollars consistently reach every classroom. That is why we are putting funds directly in the hands of teachers to ensure their classrooms are equipped to support student achievement.”
The province says input from teachers and school boards will help determine the specific items available through the program’s online ordering platform.
Officials describe the Classroom Supplies Fund as part of a broader “back-to-basics” education strategy aimed at improving student outcomes while ensuring that classrooms have consistent access to essential materials.
Part of broader education spending
The announcement comes as Ontario highlights what it describes as historic levels of education funding. For the 2025–26 school year, the province says it is investing $30.3 billion in Core Education Funding, with resources focused on supporting student success.
The government has also taken steps to increase oversight of school boards. In November 2025, Ontario passed the Supporting Children and Students Act, 2025, legislation that expanded the education minister’s authority over board finances, governance and program performance.
Officials say supervisors have been appointed to eight school boards where concerns have been raised about deficits, declining financial reserves and governance issues.
More details about the Classroom Supplies Fund and other economic and education initiatives are expected to be included in Ontario’s 2026 budget, which the government plans to release on March 26.
The province says the budget will outline additional steps in its broader economic strategy aimed at making Ontario “one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7,” while supporting a more resilient and self-reliant provincial economy.