Minister's Announcement Good News For Kids
Release date: July 23, 1999
Lifting the caps on funding for children with severe emotional and behavioral needs and for students whose second language is English is good news for Alberta's children says Alberta School Boards Association President Lois Byers.
"We're extremely pleased the Minister of Learning, Dr. Lyle Oberg, has responded to the request to remove these caps," said Mrs. Byers. "To place an arbitrary limit on the number of children with severe emotional difficulties was not realistic and hindered a board's ability to meet student needs."
Mrs. Byers also welcomed the move to provide payments to boards on a monthly basis, as it will free up money for the classroom rather than interest payments.
While the Association welcomes many of the decisions announced by Dr. Oberg, Mrs. Byers expressed her disappointment that the Minister did not accept two key recommendations of the Funding Framework Review that would have provided more flexibility to school boards to meet local needs.
"The Provincial Task Force looked at the issue of spending by school boards and felt the removal of limits which restrict flexibility was important - we couldn't agree more. We don't need artificial limits imposed by the provincial government. "
"School boards are elected by and accountable to their community - and do not shy away from that accountability. Reporting requirements outlined by the Task Force would have ensured monitoring of the end results without the provincial government dictating the methods."
"I'm also disappointed the Minister did not accept the recommendation that provincial funding reflect the true cost of teachers to school boards. This is a big ticket item," said Mrs. Byers.
"The Task Force studied the issue and recommended changes. At least the Minister has not closed the door on this important item by commiting to continue study of it" said Byers. "We look forward to being an integral part of finding the solution."
President Byers concluded, "The moves announced today by Minister Oberg, although extremely important and welcomed, do not address the complete funding difficulties that beset Alberta's school children. We're hopeful that Dr. Oberg will address the basic education funding shortfall soon. Certainly Dr. Oberg has shown that he wants to work with us to solve problems and I'm confident he'll respond."
For more information contact: Lois Byers, ASBA President, at 1.780.632.9685 (Cell).
To arrange an interview contact: David Anderson, ASBA Executive Director, at 1.780.451.7109.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
