School boards appreciate being held harmless from the impacts of pandemic-related enrolment challenges

Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) is pleased that school divisions will be held harmless from the impacts of pandemic-related enrolment challenges in Budget 2021. Further, that the capital plan will allow for the construction of new schools and the expansion of the modular program, as we enter into a crucial year with pandemic recovery.

February 26, 2021, Edmonton, AB — With the release of Budget 2021, Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) is currently undergoing a fulsome review and will consult with individual boards to understand the full impact as they await their individual funding profiles, anticipated to be available by March 31, 2021.

“As ASBA completes a fulsome review of the budget, we will continue to advocate for ongoing support of COVID-19 costs and look forward to continued collaboration with government and education partners on ensuring the safety and success of Alberta’s students.”

—Lorrie Jess, President, ASBA

As the provincial association that supports the 61 locally-elected public, separate and francophone school boards, ASBA has been working closely with member school boards to identify needed supports, which include:

• Enrolment challenges due to the pandemic;
• Rising insurance costs;
• Funding challenges to early-learning programming;
• Mental health and learning loss supports;
• And, costs related to implementation of the new curriculum.

Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) serves Alberta’s 61 locally-elected public, catholic and francophone school boards. For more information visit, www.asba.ab.ca.

Media inquiries:
Katy Campbell
Director of Communications, ASBA
780.451.7137 | kcampbell@asba.ab.ca