After years of underfunding, the UCP-led government plans to hire thousands more teachers and support staff, build new schools, expand student transportation, and push more money into charter schools.
“We are securing young Albertans’ and their families’ future by investing in new schools and modernized space, so that students, families and communities can benefit for decades to come,” said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.
The news was first unveiled by the UCP in its pre-election budget, where education funding was bolstered by 5.2 per cent in 2023-24, compared to a 1.7 per cent increase in 2022-23.
The new cash means dozens of new school projects are moving forward, including a new francophone secondary school in Airdrie, a new K-9 school in Edmonton’s Edgemont neighbourhood, modernization of Calgary’s John G. Diefenbaker High School and a new high school in Raymond.
It also means 80,000 more students will be eligible for busing.
Public school teachers welcomed the initiatives, but complained they are not enough to make up for years of insufficient funding, cope with surging population and inflation, and deal with the lingering effects of the pandemic on students and teachers.
“It’s sad that schools have to wait for an election year when oil prices are high to get the funding they need,” said Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. “Our students should always be able to expect appropriate funding independent of political and economic cycles.”
Danielle Smith’s government is also increasing support for Alberta’s popular charter schools. They will be allocated $171-million over three years to create 2,000 new student spaces and build an education hub in Calgary.
The UCP supports charter schools to increase school choice and promote competition, which it says results in better education outcomes across the board.
But critics say charter schools undermine the public system by syphoning resources from public education, which they say is obligated to educate all students, including those with unique needs.
“We need to be critical about applying a consumer lens to schooling through the concept of ‘choice’ and ‘commercial branding’ because this stacks educational opportunities for some while preventing access for others,” said Wing Li, communications director of Support Our Students Alberta. “We must return to the original democratic promise of public education which envisions a barrier-free, quality, and well-rounded education for every child.”
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Anonymous Voter
Revisions to curriculum must be grounded in fact , accountability and focus on all aspects of our society and peoples