ASBA welcomes funding commitment in Budget 2016 for student enrolment growth

Alberta School Boards Association

The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) today welcomed the commitment in Budget 2016 to fund student enrolment growth in the province’s schools.  “It’s vitally important that funding be provided for every student enrolled in our public school system,” said ASBA President Helen Clease. “Investing in education now is an investment in our future. Alberta’s publicly-funded school boards are committed to providing the very best educational opportunities for students.”

Clease noted there are still many challenges within an increasingly-complex education system. There has not been an increase in the per-student funding amount for many years. Many other grants, including transportation, plant operations and maintenance and special needs funding have not kept up with inflation.

“We appreciate this is a tough provincial budget during challenging economic times,” Clease added. “Now, more than ever, it’s important that we continue our productive and collaborative partnership with the Minister and department to address those challenges – and the expectations of our communities – as equal partners in education.”

“As the provincial association representing all 61 of Alberta’s publicly-funded school boards, we appreciate that school board authorities retain maximum flexibility in determining how provincial funding is used to best meet local needs, as locally-elected school board trustees are in the best position to make these decisions,” Clease concluded.

The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents Alberta’s 61 school boards.