By David Opinko

Education

Province adds funding to support K-12 student enrolment

Nov 28, 2023 | 11:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta said it is taking steps to support schools.

The province has announced an additional $30 million in funding for the 2023-24 school year for school authorities that are experiencing higher-than-expected enrolment growth.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said school authorities will receive $1,500 per student for enrolment growth between zero and 100 students. Those experiencing growth of more than 100 students will be funded at $2,000 per student.

“Alberta continues to attract people from across Canada and around the world,” said Nicolaides. “We’ve seen many newcomers to Alberta in recent months, meaning more kids registering in our schools. We know schools are facing enrolment pressures, so we are providing school authorities with more funding to better support schools and students.”

Funding will be allocated to school authorities each December. For the 2023-24 school year, school boards will be given funding based on the previous year or the revised formula, whichever one provides more funding.

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Alberta School Boards Association President Marilyn Dennis said the additional funding is needed across the province.

“Many of Alberta’s locally elected public, Catholic and francophone school boards continue to experience significant enrolment growth and with it, increasing complexity in a student population requiring supports for mental health, learning and early intervention, and English as an additional language,” said Dennis. “Alberta School Boards Association appreciates this additional investment from the government to help school boards ensure student success.”

Over the next three years, the province is providing more than $820 million to school divisions to address enrolment growth.