Is the Alberta Education budget in the
best interests of students in Battle River?
Here are three reasons we don’t think so.
1. There is no funding for new students.
We will be funded for the same number of students next year, even though we are expecting at least 100
new children. Ordinarily, we would receive an additional $981,000 to serve that many more students.
2. We have been told not to expect funding increases for three years.
In the last six years, BRSD has seen real declines in student numbers. Every time the student count went down, the funding went down too.
Now our student numbers are on the rise again, as a growing number of young children enter the school system. But we’ve been told to
expect no new funding for three years. So we will continue to serve more and more students, with the same amount of dollars. Over three
years, that could lead to larger class sizes, fewer support services and a less than optimal learning experience for students.
3. Funding has been cut in areas that support vulnerable students and rural schools.
In the coming year, for example:
Equity of Opportunity Grant down 3.1%
English as a Second Language grant down 3.1%
Inclusive Education funding down by 1.9%
Outreach Programs funding down by 3.1%
Small School by Necessity Grant down 3.1%
Socio-Economic Status funding down by 3.1%
Outreach Programs funding down by 3.1%
These changes mean we
are $1.7 million
short next fall
If you think students deserve better, tell your local candidates. And be sure to vote on Tuesday, May 5!