Publicly Funded Education is Our Right as Canadians - Alberta needs to do better!

Alberta's K-12 education budget for 2025-26 is $9.9 billion, an increase from the previous year, with funds allocated for enrolment growth, specialized student needs, and the hiring of over 4,000 teachers and classroom staff over three years. While this represents an increase in total spending and a new funding model, the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) states the budget still falls short of the national average for per-student spending and does not fully address inflation or past underfunding.  

Budget Highlights

• Increased K-12 Spending:

  Budget 2025 provides an operating expense budget of $9.9 billion for 2025-26. 

• Support for Growth:

  An additional $54 million in 2025-26 and $348 million more over the next two years will support additional enrolment growth in schools. 

• Staffing Investments:

  Nearly $1.1 billion is allocated over the next three years to hire more than 4,000 new teachers and classroom support staff. 

• Specialized Needs:

  Over $1.6 billion will support students with specialized learning needs. 

• New Funding Model:

  School authorities will receive increased and more predictable funding through a new funding method to support growth. 

Key Concerns and Perspectives

• Per-Student Spending:

  The ATA President, Jason Schilling, points out that Alberta's per-student spending is below the national average. 

• Inflation and Underfunding:

  The ATA also noted that the budget does not adequately account for inflation and the years of underfunding in the education system. 

• Minister's Response:

  Alberta's Education Minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, stated the budget addresses enrolment growth, supports diverse needs, and funds new schools, while dismissing claims of the government attacking education. 

What This Means for the Future

• More Staff and Supports:

  With the new investments, schools can hire more teachers and staff, which is intended to help alleviate pressure on classrooms and manage class sizes. 

• Focus on Growth:

  The budget aims to meet the needs of Alberta's growing student population and provide supports for students who need them.