Alberta Education has released projected 2023-24 operational funding for school boards to help them budget.
“(Alberta School Boards Association) is pleased that government has been responsive to school boards’ requests for early release of the funding manual and operational funding profiles, as it assists in informed decision-making,” said Marilyn Dennis, ASBA president.
“Government’s investment in enrolment growth is welcome news as boards address the growing, diverse and complex student needs within their divisions while remaining accountable to their communities.”
Based on population growth in Alberta, a “large increase” in student enrolment is expected in September 2023, the provincial government said.
Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says with Alberta’s rising population, the government knows many school authorities across the province continue to face growing enrolment pressures.
“Our strong funding commitment in Budget 2023 will empower school authorities to hire more teachers and obtain more resources for students,” said LaGrange.
Budget 2023 provides more than $820 million over the next three years to support student enrolment growth in schools. Over that three year-period, Alberta Education’s operating expense is increasing by nearly $2 billion. This will support the hiring of approximately 3,000 education staff, including teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers and school support staff, and will help authorities manage growing class sizes.
Funding increases for enrolment will be provided to school authorities through existing grants that include enrolment components. This includes the Early Childhood Services and Grades 1-9 Base Instruction grant and the High School (Grades 10-12) Base Instruction grant, as well as grants in the services and supports category, such as Specialized Learning Support, English as an Additional Language, and Program Unit Funding.
The Operations and Maintenance grant also includes an enrolment component. The flexible funding provided allows local authorities to make decisions on how to best use the funding to support their students.
Send your news tips
Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter