ASBA welcomes more money for education but warns against earmarking funding
Release date: April 25, 2001
The association representing all Alberta's locally-elected school boards welcomed the April 24 announcement of more funding for education, but sounded a warning about earmarking dollars for specific initiatives.
"When we receive money in an untargeted format - as in the 3.5 per cent increase in the per pupil grant - it means school boards are able to make decisions that make the most sense for the students they serve," said ASBA President Lois Bers.
On the other hand, the dollars earmarked in this budget for teacher salaries present a double-edged sword to school boards, said Byers. "Are we facing pressure on the salary front? You bet -- and the $55 million boost will definitely help. While we welcome the money, we would be concerned if the government made earmarking dollars for any specific item - be it salaries, books or computers -- a regular practice."
This is especially true on the bargaining front, said Byers. "School boards want to retain the right to bargain locally with their employees as this gives boards the ability to structure teacher compensation to reflect local realities. Each school board serves a unique community. A starting salary that might be attractive in one town, might fail to draw teachers to another city."
For more information contact: Lois Byers, President, ASBA at 1.780.632.7596
The Alberta School Boards Association serves and represents all Alberta’s public, separate and francophone school boards.
