Funds set aside for 20 new school construction projects

Students and parents will hear Friday if a new or modernized school is coming to their community.

Thursday’s provincial budget contained $393 million for 20 new school construction projects across the province — projects that school boards have been pleading for as some classrooms become increasingly crammed.

“I’m so proud to be part of a government that is again making historic contributions to education here in the province of Alberta,” Education Minister David Eggen told reporters at the legislature Thursday.

About 15 per cent of Thursday’s provincial budget — nearly $8.4 billion — will go toward pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 education in Alberta.

Education spending is up by 1.8 per cent from last year’s budget, thanks to 15,000 more students expected to enrol in Alberta schools next year. Schools will need to hire about 660 more teachers and 360 more support staff to accommodate them.

The government will continue to expand a school nutrition program to reach 30,000 students, up from 22,000 students this year, for a $16-million price tag.

There is no new relief for families hoping for a further reduction in school fees in September. The government is taking more time to consult on new school transportation regulations before introducing changes.

The school fee reductions introduced in last year’s budget remain, with $60 million offsetting costs that parents and guardians once paid.

Edmonton public school board chairwoman Michelle Draper was excited to hear Friday’s newschool announcements — the district is in particular need of new high schools.

With the district’s enrolment likely to top 100,000 students next fall, it’s “huge” to know boards will be funded for new pupils, she said.

Edmonton Catholic school board chairman Terry Harris said as the fastest growing metro school district in the province, he’s anxious to hear about a possible new school Friday.

“From what we’ve seen so far, we were encouraged that the government is still protecting education, and that there still seems to be a focus on funding enrolment growth and inclusion, and nutrition. We see a lot of value in all of that,” Harris said.

Although the Alberta Teachers’ Association was pleased with the expansion of the nutrition program and money for new schools, spokesman Jonathan Teghtmeyer said it’s a “status quo” budget that makes no moves to improve class sizes.

Average class sizes in early elementary grades are higher than the Alberta Commission on Learning recommended 15 years ago. Schools need more teachers to split them into smaller groups, Teghtmeyer said.

Eggen said the association should manage their expectations with the province’s tight financial situation.

Despite pressure from interest groups, Eggen made no changes to independent school funding. The province’s 100 private K-12 schools will receive $162.6 million this year.

That move won approval from United Conservative Party whip Ric McIver, who said Thursday he was pleased to see the government fund school choices for families.

The budget also includes an $80-million, three-year promise to ensure all students, teachers and administrators learn about Indigenous perspectives and history. About $2.8 million of that money is new. The education minister has said a new K-12 curriculum, currently being developed, will include mandatory lessons on residential schools in all grades.

Mary Martin, president of the Alberta School Boards Association, said it’s a welcome investment.

“In keeping with the recommendations of the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission), this is critical for our work,” she said.