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Alberta School Boards Association urges government to address chronic underfunding experienced by school boards
ASBA believes investing in education means investing in Alberta’s economy
March 4, 2019, Edmonton, AB — Locally-elected school boards in Alberta are made up of individuals who care deeply for the future of our next generation. Because of this, the Alberta School Boards Association’s 61 locally-elected public, separate and francophone school boards are imploring government to address the chronic underfunding of our schools.
Albertans want a strong and diversified economy. There is no better way to guarantee our future than by investing in education. ASBA believes every student deserves the best opportunities to learn, no matter how complex their needs, no matter what part of the province they’re from. Even in times of fiscal restraint, education is not the place to cut—it’s the place to invest, because our students deserve to have the resources needed to equip them for a diversified economy.
“Because of staggering deficits, school boards have had to make difficult funding decisions between, for example, fixing a leaky roof or hiring that much needed educational assistant. These should not be choices boards need to make on the backs of students.”
-Lorrie Jess, president of ASBA
Of ASBA’s 61, public, separate and francophone school boards:
- 79 per cent are reporting an inclusive education deficit, with the average deficit coming in at more than $2 million;
- 74 per cent are reporting a Plant, Operations and Maintenance deficit, with an average deficit of nearly $2.4 million;
- 81 per cent are reporting a transportation deficit, with an average deficit of more than $500,000;
- And 47 per cent are reporting an FNMI funding shortfall.
What government can do to make this happen:
- On behalf of students, ASBA is urging government to complete a comprehensive funding formula review, in partnership with ASBA.
- It is also imperative that all schools be connected with seamless, integrated services from the Ministry of Health and from Alberta Health Services.
ASBA welcomes discussions with the government of Alberta and other political parties on ways to improve funding issues.
The Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) serves Alberta’s 61 locally-elected public, separate and francophone school boards. For more information visit, www.asba.ab.ca.
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Media inquiries:
Katy Campbell
Director of Communications, ASBA
780.451.7137