Transformative Change for Students!

The Alberta budget has allocated a substantial amount of money for Education, with millions earmarked for the construction of new schools. However, critics suggest that the UCP government is leaning away from a public schooling model for future students. To this end, the provincial government is investing $2.3 billion in education over the next three years, with 58 School projects planned, including 13 full construction projects and 44 design, planning and pre-planning projects. This investment is expected to provide space for nearly 25,000 students throughout the province, although the shift away from public schooling remains a point of contention.

The Alberta government has announced a series of projects across the province, which include:

1. The construction of a new Francophone high school in Airdrie;

2. Modernization of Calgary’s John G. Diefenbaker High School;

3. A new K-9 school in Calgary’s Nolan Hill neighborhood;

4. A new K-6 school in west Lethbridge;

5. A gym project at Lethbridge École La Vérendrye;

6. Replacement of Okotoks’ École Good Shepherd School; replacement of the Penhold Elementary School;

7. A new high school in Raymond; and a replacement for Holy Family Catholic School in Waskatenau.

Furthermore, all of these projects are intended to improve educational infrastructure and provide more accessibility to quality learning environments for all Albertans.

Alberta’s Education Minister broadcasted a ray of hope to school boards on Wednesday, assuring that if they are yet to receive Funding for their projects, it may still be on the horizon. “Projects that are not approved for funding will be considered again when additional funding is available if they are still a top priority for that school authority,” said Education Minister Adriana LaGrange.

Education advocates have warmly embraced the UCP government’s decision to inject $42 million over the next three years to create additional learning spaces for 2,000 students in Calgary and Edmonton, alongside $32 million to bolster renovations and fund new charter schools. Despite this positive outlook, they remain wary of how much funding is being allocated to charter schools.

Medeana Moussa of Support Our Students (SOS) declares that the recent funding is merely a drop in the bucket when it comes to keeping up with Alberta’s growth. SOS is concerned that the schools are struggling with maintenance and resources, and class sizes are still too large. Furthermore, SOS believes this funding is pushing us towards privatization, and it is depriving 93% of Albertans of equal access to high-quality public education.

The province has committed to finding solutions for Edmonton’s École Michaëlle-Jean and École Gabrielle-Roy, Sherwood Park and Valley View.

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