This release was issued under a previous government.
In May 2015, government restored education funding for the 2015-16 school year, including funding of enrolment growth, to provide needed resources to support student learning. This decision ensured funding for every Kindergarten to Grade 12 student in Alberta, including the 16,000 new students entering the province’s classrooms this school year. School authorities use most of their government funding to secure sufficient numbers of teachers and support staff.
Appropriate funding began to flow to school authorities immediately after enrolment growth was realized. Last week, government announced the allocation of $51 million to ensure boards would be fully funded through to the end of the fiscal year.
“We know many families are struggling during this economic downturn. Critics would say we should cut, which would result in fewer teachers in the classroom and less support for students. We will not cut and run when families need us the most. Rather, our top priority is ensuring that all of Alberta’s students are receiving an education that will prepare them for bright futures in a diversified economy.”
On Wednesday, Minister Eggen visited Bishop Grandin High School, part of the Calgary Catholic School District. The district has seen more than 1,350 additional students and has added more than 50 teachers this year.
“Funding for enrolment growth makes a tremendous difference in our classrooms. It allows us to provide our students with the resources and, most importantly, the teachers they need for a quality education.”
Government support for K-12 education:
- Total operating support to school boards of $6.6 billion in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
- Of Alberta Education’s total operating budget, 98 per cent flows to school authorities who deliver education services to students.
The fiscal year cost of funding the 2015-16 enrolment growth is $104 million.