Make education a priority as economy booms says ASBA
Release date: September 1, 1999
"Stay the course --- listen to the advice Albertans gave you through the Growth Summit and invest in people, especially Alberta's children," said Alberta School Boards Association President Lois Byers, in response to word the government is projecting a $1.9 billion surplus for the year ending March 31. This is the government's sixth surplus in as many years.
Byers welcomed Treasurer Stockwell Day's announcement of a one-time infusion of $300 per student into the education system. "Boards will be able to address urgent needs in the short term," said Byers.
Funding to repair school
buildings is also needed, added Byers. "A government task force recommended,
two years ago, that the government spend $771 million to repair aging schools.
Our children deserve nice places to learn in."
Noting this is the sixth year in a row the province has recorded a surplus in
the billion dollar range, Byers says it's time the government starts thinking
more about longer term investment in education. "While one-time funding
frees boards to address the most urgent needs," said Byers, "we must
develop a funding model that ensures Alberta's education system is sufficiently
and equitably funded across the province in the longer term."
For more information contact: Lois Byers, ASBA President, at 1.780.632.9685 (Cell).
To arrange an interview with Lois Byers, call Suzanne Lundrigan, ASBA Communications, at 1.780.451.7122.
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
