Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides was in Airdrie on Wednesday morning to announce more details on funding supports for schools.
In response to the growing strain felt by school divisions across the province, including RVS, the government has allocated more than $1.2 billion in funding for enrolment growth over the next three years. In addition to this, more than $1.5 billion will be provided to school authorities over the next three years so they can continue to provide specialized learning support.
"Included in the funding for specialized learning supports is a targeted $26-million increase, over the next three years, to the Program Unit Funding (PUF) program, bringing the total funding to $209 million in the 2024-25 school year," a provincial release stated.
According to the province, the increase in PUF funding means, 'more children with severe disabilities and delays will receive help earlier, and parents will have the peace of mind that their children are receiving the supports they need to reach their full potential.'
Another $44 million for the 2024-25 school year will also be aimed to address increasing classroom complexities.
"Of this $44 million, $1 million would be used to increase the number of educational assistant graduates in the province through a Provincial Education Assistant Training program that will support training for current or aspiring educational assistants."
Airdrie-East Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Angela Pitt, as well as the Board Chair for RVS, Fiona Gilbert attended the announcement, which was held at W.H. Croxford High School. Alberta School Boards Association President Marilyn Dennis was also in attendance.
In response to the announcement, Gilbert said that RVS is thankful for the announcement of additional funding, but stressed that RVS continues to see enrollment growth that is outpacing resources. Gilbert used the example of W.H. Croxford, saying that the local high school was built a decade ago, with an enrollment of 308 students.
"Today, it has grown to over 1,500 students with a utilization of 116 per cent. Today's announcement is another welcome step from the government to address the challenges within our crowded schools and our classrooms as we work together to enhance learning opportunities for students that set them up for success," she said. "Our schools are seeing annual student population growth of three to five per cent combined with increasing complexities in classrooms. These new dollars can be put towards resources in our schools and our classrooms helping to address some of these pressures."
Gilbert added that RVS will continue to engage in dialogue with the provincial government.
Wednesday's announcement comes several days after RVS learned that the division would see funding for five major school construction projects, including three in Airdrie.
Gilbert previously said that the construction funding announcement has been long-awaited as a top priorities for RVS.
As per Budget 2024, full construction funding was allocated for an Airdrie Kindergarten Grade 8 school in South Windsong, as well as an Airdrie Kindergarten – Grade 8 school in Bayview, along with design funding for an Airdrie high school in Southwinds.
Other major funding for RVS in the province's budget includes full construction funding for a Cochrane Kindergarten – Grade 8 school in Rivercrest, as well as design funding for a Chestermere Kindergarten – Grade 9 school.
Wednesday's announcement did not offer details on what dollar amount RVS will be allocated from the increased funding, though Minister Nicolaides said specific funding profiles will be released shortly.
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