The Alberta Government confirmed today reinstatement of funding for enrolment growth and funding cuts previously made by the former government. While the Alberta School Board Association is pleased about the commitment to fund every student, there was no funding increase for inflation, and additional funding for other programs will not begin until 2016-17.
“There were no surprises in today’s budget. At this point in time, though we see increases over the next two fiscal years, there is no indication as to what flexibility local school boards will have in supporting student, school and community needs,” said ASBA President Helen Clease. “We need to have that conversation.”
School boards are looking forward to working collaboratively with government to review the current funding model and develop a more flexible way in which boards can better serve student needs. That discussion would contribute to a shared understanding of predictable, sustainable, adequate funding.
“School boards and ASBA remain committed to working with government and education partners to support students and make the best use of our resources,” noted Clease.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents Alberta’s 61 school boards.