CAPSC Stakeholder Report December 20th

Chair Cochrane, Trustees

My name is Eryn Kelly and I am the Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils (CAPSC). Leslie Newton my Co-President is also with me. 

We understand the Report from the Working Group Established to Review Board Meeting Procedures is a series of recommendations that is intended to bring the conversation around public engagement and governance to a public meeting of the Board of Trustees and that no decisions have been made.  We did speak with Chair Cochrane earlier in the day, shared our views and asked questions regarding this report, and were assured that the intent is to improve the public engagement process, not limit public input at board meetings.

We would like to take this opportunity to provide some preliminary feedback regarding this working document.  

CAPSC recognizes that there is a need to improve the public engagement process with the Board of Trustees as it relates to board meetings. We would like the board to confirm for us that parents and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide input and help shape that process. 

 Stakeholder reports and public inquiries can be limiting and in particular, the stakeholder report can be an intimidating form of engagement for many parents so welcome a process that allows for fuller dialogue and a less formal opportunity to engage.  However, until we have a better idea of what these strategic communication dialogues will look like and how they may impact these reports and inquiries, we ask that they not be suspended.

As for the recommendations that are related to governance, we believe that the public needs a more detailed rationale for the proposed changes and how the new processes will ensure enhanced transparency and accountability.

We look forward to learning more as trustees discuss and debate the contents of this working report at tonight's meeting.  We will be sharing what we have learned with our members and will invite their questions and comments. We will share this feedback with the Board. 

Thank you for your time

Alberta Education: Fall Budget Update

In a news release today, Alberta Education shared the Fall Update to the 2011/2012 Budget that offers a provincial overview of how school jurisdictions spent their portion of the $107M in additional funding from the province. Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk, observed that, '“Like any investment, Albertans want to be assured the dollars went to the right place and improved the overall learning experience of students. They can be confident that this is the case.”'

The update indicates that approximately 623 teachers and 397 support staff were hired throughout the province for a total of nearly $88M. Another $19M was spent on technology, equipment/materials and teacher professional development.

In a report submitted by the Calgary Board of Education that forms part of this update, the entire $19.2M of additional funding went out to schools and was spent on staff. Schools hired 159.45 FTE teachers and 64.48 FTE support staff.

Of the $19.2M of funding, $4.2M was directed to the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) by Alberta Education. The CBE used this money to hire 44.97 FTE positions to support Personalized Learning school-based projects.

The remaining $15M was used to hire 179.16 FTEs at the school level. Schools hired staff to support class size, English Language Learners, Special Education students, enhancement of supports for all learners, second language learning, enrolment growth (decline), Knowledge and Employability courses and Career and Technology Studies. A chart outlining the number of schools that supported these categories is included in the report.

CBE Key Communique: Calgary Herald Corrects Error

The following article appeared in the latest Key Communique from CBE Communications:

Calgary Herald corrects error
The Calgary Herald has published a correction to a story carried on the front of the City Section on Wednesday.

The Herald incorrectly reported on Dec. 7 that the Calgary Board of Education finished the 2010-11 fiscal year with a “surplus," finishing the year “$10.9M in black.” In fact, the CBE had an operating deficit. To balance the budget the CBE had to use reserves.

The Herald also reported incorrectly that the CBE had "spent $7.7 million more than in its rainy day fund." To be correct, this should have said “spent less.”

While the original story appeared on Page one of the city section, the correction is a brief item published today on Page A2. The online version of the story has been corrected.

"This is at least the second time this year that incorrect stories about the CBE have been front-page headlines in the Herald," says Richard Peter, the CBE's chief communications officer. "Everyone makes mistakes but it's disappointing in two ways. Accurate reporting would not have been front-page news and the correction never has the same profile as the original story."

The other error that grabbed headlines was a story about noon supervision fees. A front-page Herald story on May 14 incorrectly reported that the CBE proposed to increase noon supervision fees by 40 per cent. In fact the proposed increase was five per cent—which is significantly less newsworthy. The correction appeared on Page A2.

Read the latest online story from the Herald.

CBE fall budget update including additional funding

The Calgary Board of Education issued a news release today concerning the quarterly update that will include information on additional funding received this fall. The text of the release follows:

The Calgary Board of Education's Administration presents an updated budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year to the Board of Trustees on Dec. 6.

The operating budget for the school year is approved annually by the Board of Trustees in June. In the fall, after enrolment figures are finalized as of Sept. 30, Administration provides a budget update to the Board of Trustees for approval.

The 2011 fall budget update is largely unchanged from June.

Budget revenue of $1.130 billion is up $30.2 million since June as a result of:

-$19.2 million of additional, one-time funding from the province announced in October;
-$2.5 million of funding to support inclusive education ( Action on Inclusion);
-$1.0 million for transportation fuel;
-Base funding increases of $1.4 million related to enrolment growth; and
-Use of $6.1 million of revenue that was carried forward from 2010-11 to complete planned initiatives.

When the provincial government returned $107 million to the education budget in October the CBE portion was $19.2 million. The CBE distributed the funding directly to principals, enabling them to decide the best way for the money to be used in their schools. The funding enabled the CBE to hire the equivalent of 224 full-time, positions in schools; 159.5 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) were teachers and 64.7 FTEs were support staff.

An inclusive education system means that children and youth, regardless of their ability or disability, language, cultural background, gender or age are valued in the same way.

The provincial government reinstated funding to offset increases in the price of diesel for school buses.

The total CBE enrolment as of Sept. 30 was 104,212 students. This is 880 more students than the June forecast. The increased enrolment, which is funded by the government, translated into $1.4 million of additional funding.

The report to the Board of Trustees entitled "November 30, 2011 Budget Report Update to the 2011/12 Operating Budget" is available at this link.

CBE News Release: Year-end financial Report

The Calgary Board of Education issued a news release today highlighting their 2010/2011 fiscal year. The text of the release follows:

The Board of Trustees will review the audited 2010-11 financial statements for the Calgary Board of Education during the public meeting on Dec. 6.

Highlights for the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2011, include:

-balanced operating results for the year;
-revenue was $1.050 billion—91.4 per cent of which comes from the provincial government;
-expenses were $1.055 billion—76 per cent of which is salaries and benefits; and
-administration costs were 3.8 per cent of the operating budget—better than the four per cent provincial spending cap.

Balancing the budget required the system to use $8.7 million of reserves. The requirement to use reserves is less than the $16.4 million forecast. The difference reflects system and school-based decisions to slow spending in the current year when they know the next budget will be tight. The result across our 221-school system is that about $7.7 million budgeted was not spent in 2010-11. This represents a variance of just 0.8 per cent of the year’s operating budget.

The $7.7 million of reserves not used in 2010-11 is earmarked to be spent in 2011-12 to complete planned initiatives.

"The financial statements demonstrate how we responsibly manage public funding to educate more than 100,000 students," says Naomi Johnson, Chief Superintendent of Schools. "The ultimate measure of our success is student learning. Our academic results confirm 2010-11 was an exceptional year."

The financial statements remain drafts until they are approved by the Board of Trustees. Drafts are available in reports for the public meeting on Dec. 6 at this link.

Additional highlights of the financial report will be available in the CBE's combined Annual Education Results Report and Three-year Education Plan. The report will posted at www.cbe.ab.ca after it has been approved by the Board of Trustees.

School Councils and Parents: Teleconference with Education Minister, Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk

The following notice was distributed today by the Alberta School Councils' Association (ASCA):

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ALL PARENTS AND SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS


The Minister of Education is hosting a teleconference with parents on school councils at 7:45 pm on November 29th to discuss education.


The Minister believes that parents play an important role in the education system, and is interested in hearing directly from them.

Parents and School Council representatives are invited to participate in the conference call with the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Education to discuss priorities for the next several months for Alberta's education system.

Participants are encouraged to gather as a group to dial in where possible.

The call will begin at 7:45 PM on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 and will take approximately 1 hour.

Please dial in at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time to the number listed below, as it will take time for all participants to be queued into the call and ensure participation.


Dial in information: 1-888-789-9572

Conference ID: # 5634664

When participants dial in they will be greeted by a conference operator asking for the conference ID, the person's name, school and school authority. Participants will be able to ask a limited number of questions following the Minister's comments.


All questions and responses will be heard by all participants and the Minister will answer as many questions as possible in the time allotted. If you experience any problems during the conference call, please stay on the line to speak to the operator.

If participants have any questions in the days leading up to the teleconference, please contact Maureen Melnyk, Education Manager, Learning Supports & Information Management, at maureen.melnyk@gov.ab.ca or by telephone at 780-427-6272, or by calling toll free at 310-0000.

Alberta Education offering more opportunities to provide feedback on the Education Act

In a news release today, the Alberta Government is asking all Albertans - young and old - to provide feedback on the Education Act. In addition to the forums that were announced previously, the public can engage online through discussion boards, facebook and twitter along with providing written submissions to the Minister.

Dr. Sharon Friesen's presentation at CAPSC meeting

At last night's CAPSC meeting, Dr. Sharon Friesen referenced the book "How People Learn," citing it as the best research available at this time on student learning. You can download it for free from the National Academies Press website. She also shared that Inspiring Education and Action on Inclusion were written to be in alignment with the research in the book.

Dr. Friesen also talked about the history of public education and its genesis in the factory model and why we need to rethink the model and transform learning to meet the needs of our students in a world characterized by increasing globalization and the use of digital technologies. You can watch her Inspiring Education video on this topic at Youtube.

She also has a video on EDTalks entitled, "Creating knowledge building environments" that captures much of what she had to say about what really influences student learning.

Opportunity to provide input on Education Act

In a press release today, the Alberta Government announced its Our Children, Our Future: Getting it Right public consultations on the Education Act. As part of this process, the government has announced that forums in seven cities across the province will be held between November 26 and December 9.

A forum will be held in Calgary on Thursday, December 1 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Coast Calgary. Space is limited and you must register to attend.

Alberta Education invites your input on the guiding principles for future curriculum design

Inspiring Education asked the question: What does an Educated Albertan look like 20 years from now? After much discussion and consultation around the transformation of education in our province, Alberta Education has been moving the agenda forward in regards to what students will be learning and the outcomes of this learning. After extensive research and hosting a series of Curriculum Roundtables, this activity culminated in the symposium, "Curriculum Design for Informed Transformation: Creating a Great School for Every Student."

A member of our executive was able to attend one of the roundtables and you can read this article that appeared in our newsletter last spring for more information.

Alberta Education is now providing another opportunity for public input on the "guiding principles for future curriculum design" through an online survey. Curriculum design would include items such as programs of study, assessment and educational resources. The deadline for participation is November 21.

Alberta Primetime: Full Day Kindergarten

Premier Alison Redford has followed through on her leadership campaign promise to return $107M in funding to education. Now she is working with Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk, to deliver on another campaign promise, full-day kindergarten for all.

Eryn Kelly, Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils, along with Cheryl Smith, Vice-President of the Alberta School Boards Association, and Cynthia Prasow, Instructor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Education, participated in an Alberta Primetime panel discussion around the provision of full-day kindergarten to all children in our province.

Panel Highlights:
•Full-day kindergarten offered in British Columbia and Ontario to all children
•In Alberta, full-day kindergarten is available to some, not all children
•Benefits: equity and fairness across province; greater potential for early intervention; improve grade 1 readiness; research shows improvement in literacy, language, social and emotional development - especially for “at risk” children; recognition of the important connection between early learning and later success
•Drawbacks: wide range of readiness for full-day program; availability of space; cost is projected at $200M; staffing pressures; bus ride times

Mandate Letter for the Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Education

Premier Redford has sent mandate letters to all twenty of her cabinet ministers. The letter to Education Minister, Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, asks him to establish minimum three-year funding cycles for education in collaboration with the Ministers of Finance and Treasury Board and Enterprise. The Premier also asks him to table an Education Act that reflects "the principled, learner-centred, inclusive, competency-based education system proposed in the Inspiring Action report."

Alberta Government News Release: Education Act pulled from Fall 2011 Legislative Session

In a news release today, the Alberta Government announced that Bill 18 (Education Act) was being pulled from the fall session. The Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Education Minister, made the decision after consulting with school boards and stakeholder organizations. A revised Education Act would be back before the Legislature in the spring after further engagement with students, parents, teachers and the public.

' “It is crucial that this legislation has a direct and positive impact on students,” said Lukaszuk. “I am committed to ensuring our province continues to foster a world-class education system that puts the needs of our children first.” '


The Calgary Board of Education, in a letter dated October 24 from Board Chair, Pat Cochrane, asks that the Minister not rush this legislation through as it needs further development to reflect "the themes identified by Albertans in Inspiring Action." The letter goes on to say, "This is work that is critically important for student learning into the future." (Board Report: Correspondence, page 25)

In an email dated October 21, the Alberta School Boards' Association provided the Education Minister with some highlighted provisions that they felt needed clarification and/or addititional context. These included provisions around Age of Access, Compulsory Education, Student/Parent/Board Responsibilities and Suspensions/Expulsions.

FAQ: Education Act (General) from Alberta Education website
FAQ: Education Act (Parents and Students) from Alberta School Councils Association website

Full Day Kindergarten

During the PC Leadership campaign, Premier Alison Redford pledged to introduce full day kindergarten within one year of forming government. With this support, Education Minister Thomas Lukaszuk has said he will be discussing the issue with school boards and requesting funding from the Treasury Board to implement full day kindergarten in the 2013-2014 school year.

Currently, kindergarten is not mandatory but over 95% of Alberta's children participate.

Eight years ago, Alberta's Commission on Learning Report and Recommendations called for the establishment of full day kindergarten (see pages pages 46-47). A Calgary Board of Education Report summarizing research is cited in the report, and an excerpt follows:

• A developmentally appropriate full-day program benefits children academically and socially - especially children from low socio-economic or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds
• Teachers preferred full-day to half-day programs
• Parents reacted favourably to the full-day schedule
• Full-day kindergarten may reduce the long-term costs for special and remedial education.

'“... All studies indicated a positive relation between participation in full-day kindergarten and subsequent school performance. Higher achievement in academic development as well as greater growth in social and behavioural development is consistently reported ... All studies reviewed here suggest that a full-day developmentally appropriate kindergarten program is especially beneficial to children from low socioeconomic levels and/or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.”'

The Calgary Board of Education began providing full day kindergarten in 2005 to children who would benefit most.

What do teachers have to say about full day kindergarten? Check out this Alberta Teachers' Association article.

Alberta Government Asking for Public Input on Budget 2012

In a news release yesterday, the Alberta Government announced plans for a budget dialogue with Albertans. Seven regional roundtable discussions will take place in early November with invited community members. Government is also inviting feedback from the wider public on their budget priorities through a survey and written submissions. Background information is available on the Government of Alberta Website.

Provincial Achievement Tests: waste of time or useful information?

Premier Alison Redford made a campaign promise to scrap Provincial Achievement Tests for grades 3 and 6, and expressed to our membership she was open to discussing the weighting on the grade 12 Diploma Exams. Provincial results were recently released for these tests.

Are the provincial achievement tests for grades 3 and 6 too stressful for students? Are they a waste of time? Do they provide useful data? What do you think?

A recent Primetime Alberta segment, "Achievement Tests a Waste of Time," provides a great jumping off point for a discussion around this important issue. Jonathan Teghtmeyer (Associate Coordinator, Communications -Alberta Teachers' Association), Jacquie Hansen (President - Alberta School Boards' Association) and Jim Field (Associate Professor, Faculty of Education - University of Calgary) share their perspectives in a panel discussion focused on Provincial Achievement Tests and Diploma Exams.

As well, we can look back to March 16, 2009, when Genia Leskiw, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake and a former teacher, sponsored Private Member’s Motion #503. This motion asked the Legislative Assembly to urge Government to “eliminate provincial achievement tests for grade three students and consider alternative assessments for learning.” Several MLAs entered the debate which can be found on pages 416 to 423 of the Alberta Hansard record. In the end, 29 MLAs voted in support of the motion and 18 MLAs voted against the motion.

Of interest, then Education Minister, the Hon. Dave Hancock, voted against the motion. He had this to say,

Mr. Speaker, while I understand the sentiment behind the motion that the Member for Bonnyville-Cold Lake has brought forward and I understand the concerns that are being raised about people teaching to the test and about the stress of the grade 3 students, I think those are issues that can be overcome. I do think we need to make sure that we have ways of recognizing the testing standards and assessment standards and outcomes across the spectrum of our system. We have to appreciate that our system is held up as being one of the best in the world because of its strong curriculum, because of its strong teaching standards, because of its strong teachers, and because of our accountability pillar in our assessment processes. Before we change what we’re doing, we ought to know what we’re going to. That would be my comment to the hon. member. Should we look at the PAT 3 tests and, presumably, in the future the PAT 6 and PAT 9? Perhaps we should. But let’s know and understand what assessment we need to make sure that we’re effective not only for the students, which is most important, but for the system, know that we’re doing the right thing and investing in our system across the province so that our students can be ready for the 21st century – we’re into the 21st century now, so I’d better say for the latter half of the 21st century – so that they can participate in a knowledge economy, a global economy, and be good both global and local citizens.

Nearly eighteen months later, when asked by MLA Genia Leskiw in Question Period for an update on any actions taken on her motion, the Hon. Dave Hancock responded,

Well, Mr. Speaker, the tests are very effective for us both in terms of providing information for the accountability of the system and in terms of how we're doing. The school boards tell us that they can use the results very effectively and do use the results very effectively. It's important information. We shouldn't stop doing something that provides good information, is a useful tool in the education system for accountability and for development of further educational opportunities for children until we have some­thing better. We will hopefully have something better once we've aligned it with new curriculum development and new resources.

Update: In a recent Fort McMurray Today article, "Education leaders clash over third grade tests," Education Minister, Thomas Lukaszuk, is quoted as saying, '" I will be looking at PATs to make sure they serve role they were designed to serve and that they are not being misused for other purposes."'

Additional Funding Out to Calgary Schools

Premier Alison Redford has kept her promise to return $107 M back into the education system for the 2011/2012 school year. Of that, $19.2M is earmarked for the Calgary Board of Education.

At the October 18 public meeting of the Board of Trustees, trustees unanimously supported directing $15M to schools using the Resource Allocation Method. This money will be rolling out to schools as early as next week and they can decide where it is needed most. The balance of the funding, $4.2M, will be applied to AISI as requested by Alberta Education. There are two AISI projects underway in the CBE - personalization of learning and creating secondary schools that serve all students.

However, the excitement attending the return of this funding is tempered by the knowledge that this is one time funding only and come the end of the school year, we could be looking at cuts once again.

Alberta Education: Learn More About the $107 million in funding for Education in Alberta

The Hon. Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Education, has released more information around the additional funding provided to school boards on the Alberta Education Website. The Calgary Board of Education stands to gain $19,247,037 of the $107 million promised by Premier Alison Redford. The Education Minister has asked school boards to direct this funding to maximize its impact on the classroom.

CBE News Release: Community helps set Calgary Board of Education priorities for additional funding

The Calgary Board of Education, in a news release today, is sharing the results of their survey that went online October 4. The survey was done as a proactive response to Premier Alison Redford's promise to restore $107M in education funding that was cut in the 2011/2012 provincial budget.

Thomas Lukaszuk is Alberta’s New Education Minister

Former Minister of Employment and Immigration, Thomas Lukaszuk was appointed Education Minister this morning by Premier Alison Redford. Mr. Lukaszuk is serving his third term as a MLA representing the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs. He has served on a wide range of legislative and government committees that will serve him well in the education portfolio. Most notably, he served as the parliamentary assistant for Municipal Affairs; served on the Standing Committee on Law and Regulations; served on the Standing Policy Committee on Health and Community Living; chaired the MLA Committee to Review Low-Income Programs; chaired the MLA Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Review Committee; chaired the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multicultural Education Fund Advisory Committee; and, served on the Teachers Pension Plan Unfunded Pension Liability Task Force.

Mr. Lukaszuk, who is married and has a young family, holds a BA in Education from the University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton schools until starting up the firm Injured Workers Advocates Inc. He has also received many honours for his volunteer contributions in the community and across the province.

For more information:

Legislative Assembly Biography
My PC MLA

CBE Survey: Where should restored education dollars go?

The CBE just posted a link to their survey asking stakeholders to provide input on priorities for restored funding to education pledged by premier-designate Alison Redford.

Diversity and Assessment: Learning It/Sharing It

At our last CAPSC meeting, Jenny Regal, President - Calgary Public Teachers' ATA Local 38, invited parents to attend their symposium on Diversity and Assessment: Learning It/Sharing It. The Symposium is being held Monday, October 17 from 6 to 9:30 pm. We have included an excerpt from the brochure below:

Amidst Calgary’s growing diversity, how can we create schools where students are engaged in their learning in order to live purposeful lives? The temptation to confuse learning with achievements, and the rush to measure the results of these achievements, can cloud our vision of creating the schools we really desire. How can we nurture the important relationships between students, parents, and teachers, which is what forms the backbone of meaningful learning and assessment?

This symposium presents a unique opportunity to discuss a vision of how we know our children are learning. It is meant to bring forward the best values and attributes for being forward-thinking members of the next Alberta.

Calgary Public Teachers Local 38 and The Alberta Teachers’ Association wants you to be part of the exploration that awaits Alberta’s next generation as our province defines its place in the world.

The keynote speaker is Dennis Shirley who is a highly respected researcher and author with an international reputation. He will be joined by Dr. Dennis Sumara, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the U of C, Jenny Regal, President of Calgary Public Teachers' Local 38 and Eryn Kelly, Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils.

World Teachers' Day is October 5th!

Every year on October 5th, the world celebrates teachers! Organized by UNESCO and Education International, this day is also dedicated to promoting international standards for the profession. While the majority of teachers world-wide are women and many countries declare their support for equality, the reality for many women is inequality. To encourage action, the theme for this year's World Teachers' Day is Teachers for gender equality.

Check out the World Teachers' Day website to learn more about this special day and for ideas to celebrate your teachers.

STOP the CUTS

At last night's CAPSC meeting, parents expressed interest in connecting with STOP the CUTS. This is a joint advocacy effort supported by the Alberta Teachers' Association, the Alberta School Boards' Association and the Alberta School Councils' Association.

The website offers information, advocacy tips and an opportunity to tell your school's story.

CAPSC Update

Welcome back to the 2011/2012 school year. CAPSC Executive have met and we are getting organized for what we expect will be an eventful year!

After sorting through seventy job applications and narrowing the field down to four interviews, we are pleased and excited to introduce our new Communications Coordinator, Leanne Long. She is getting up to speed and will have the website updated shortly.

In the meantime...

Our first meeting of the school year will take place Thursday, September 22.

We are pleased to be hosting special guests:

Jonathan Teghtmeyer, Executive Staff Officer - Alberta Teachers' Association, who will be travelling down from Edmonton to attend our meeting. Jonathan is a former teacher who taught High School Math, Drama and Physics

Jenny Regal, President - Calgary Public Teachers' ATA Local 38

CBE Trustees Pat Cochrane, Pamela King and Sheila Taylor

CAPSC 2011/2012 Meeting Schedule
Thursday, September 22
Wednesday, October 19
Wednesday, November 16
Wednesday, January 18
Wednesday, February 22 (AGM – 4th Wednesday)
Thursday, March 22
Wednesday, April 18
Wednesday, May 16
Note: We will be meeting in the Library at AE Cross School from 7 to 9 pm.

Class Size

An article in this morning's Calgary Herald, "Parents fear impact of fewer teachers, support staff in Calgary schools," included some interesting comments from Sharon Friesen, an associate professor of education at the University of Calgary. According to her, studies have demonstrated that class size does not have a significant impact on K to 12 learning and that other factors need to be considered as well.

In a letter to the editor responding to this article, Gordon Thomas explains why "Smaller classes make for better learning."

The Hon. Dave Hancock, Minister of Education, also talks about class size research in his blog posting, "Money Matters: Let's focus on what improves student outcomes." He states that, "there are, no doubt, students who benefit from smaller classrooms beyond grades K-3, but the research is clear that small class sizes are not the best way to improve student outcomes for most students."

Back in 2003, Alberta's Commission on Learning made recommendations around class size guidelines. Although there have been many more studies done on the topic since then, the rationale makes for an informative read (page 67).

What are your thoughts? Comment on this post or drop us a line at info@capsc.ca.

Schools need stable funding from province

Although this editorial "Schools need stable funding from province" appeared in the Edmonton Journal last spring, it is worth reading as we embark on the 2011/2012 school year.

Back to School Information

For great back to school information, check out the Calgary Board of Education's Back 2 School Website and Alberta Education's Back to School Information Kit 2011/2012.

Alberta Liberal Leadership Candidates on Education

The Alberta Teachers' Association has posted video of all five Alberta Liberal Leadership Candidates responding to questions related to education.

Parent Voice

A recent Calgary Herald article, “Parents have a voice they just need to use it,” delved into the many ways parents can have a voice in the school system. While the focus of the article was from the perspective of a parent in the Calgary Catholic School Division, many of the same opportunities exist within the Calgary Board of Education. After reading this article, one of our members brought it to our attention that it might be helpful for CAPSC to do a piece on parent voice specific to the CBE.

The Classroom
Students, parents and teachers alike benefit from forming a strong partnership. Research indicates that parental involvement in their child’s education, both at home and in the school, has a positive impact on their learning and personal development. Attending Parent/Teacher interviews, volunteering in the classroom during the day or from home after school, fundraising, and participating in school council meetings are all important ways to support student learning. It is important to be informed and share your voice. Two great parent resources are available from the Calgary Board of Education and the Alberta Teachers’ Association to help guide parents through this relationship building process - "My student and the Calgary Board of Education" and "Parenting Through the School Years: A Guide for Parents of K – 12 Students."

The School

Parents also have a voice through their school council. School Councils were mandated by the government in 1995 in order “to increase parent and community involvement in the education of children in Alberta.” The School Act describes a school council as an advisory/consultative body made up of parents, the principal, teachers and interested community members that come together to support student learning. This advisory role not only applies to the relationship with the principal but also potentially to the Board of Trustees and the Minister of Education. A couple of handy resources to help you understand the role school councils play include the Alberta School Council Resource Manual and the CAPSC Resource: CBE Regulations Governing School Councils and School Societies.

The Administration

The Calgary Board of Education also offers opportunities for school council chairs, key communicators and parents to learn more about the school system and educational issues impacting their children. System Meetings are held four times a year and are open to all - parents and members of the public. Smaller sessions are held at Area Meetings. Both types of meetings are opportunities to interact with CBE Administration, Trustees and your Area Director – not to mention other parents. Find out more on the CBE Website page School Councils/Key Communicators

The CBE’s Community Engagement and Operational Planning Department works with parents around school accommodation issues (school/program closures, program placement/moves) and provide a multitude of channels for engagement and feedback.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees can be reached in the traditional ways but are now moving into social media via Facebook and Twitter. Trustees distribute Trustee-zine on a quarterly basis and this publication "is intended to engage readers in an ongoing dialogue on issues relevant to student success." Public board meetings are held twice a month during the school year and the agenda includes an opportunity for public input.

The Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils

CAPSC is an incorporated non-profit society that meets on a monthly basis during the school year to share, network and advocate around educational issues impacting our students. We are an officially recognized stakeholder group and have a stakeholder seat at all public meetings of the Board of Trustees. In addition, we have a trustee liaison whose duties include bringing information to us from the board and taking information from us back to the board on a regular basis. We host one or more trustees at every meeting and often host CBE Administration, Alberta Education officials and other recognized experts in the educational field. Our guest speakers are always very appreciative of the opportunity to engage with attendees. Meetings are open to all parents in the CBE. Check out our website and follow us on twitter@CAPSCyyc.

Fuel Subsidy Reinstated for School Boards

Some time ago, Education Minister Dave Hancock committed to going back to Treasury once again and asking for funds to reinstate the transportation fuel subsidy for school boards. After reading a recent news article posted on twitter, CAPSC was able to quickly confirm the following with CBE Administration:


It is estimated that the CBE will receive approximately $1.2 million in fuel subsidy funding from Alberta Education. This estimate is based on the current pricing for fuel. However, fuel pricing can fluctuate so the actual amount that is paid could vary from the current estimate. These funds are paid to the CBE on a monthly basis.

In the 2011-12 budget, the transportation fee increase approved by the Board of Trustees did not cover the transportation shortfall by about $800,000. The first priority with the fuel subsidy funding will be to cover this shortfall. What happens if there are any remaining funds will be determined once we have the final numbers on enrolment, special needs of students and more later in the fall. Information on the allocation of these funds will be shared in the fall budget update to be presented to the Board of Trustees in late November or early December.

First Quarter Fiscal Highlights from the Alberta Government: Solid planning and increased revenue lead to lower deficit forecast

In a news release from the Alberta Government, Finance and Enterprise report that revenue is up $2.7B from budget (higher oil prices and near record land sales), expenses are up $650M from budget (mostly for disaster and emergency relief), the projected deficit for 2011/2012 is down $2.7B and the Sustainability Fund is now forecasted to grow by an additional $4.4B.

PC Leadership Candidates on Education

On August 10, the Alberta Teachers' Association hosted a PC Leadership Candidate Education Forum at their annual Summer Conference. All six candidates were in attendance. Check out this video to learn more about where each candidate stands on education issues.

Hon. Dave Hancock, Minister of Education, responds to follow up questions from CAPSC Education Panel Discussion

After the Education Panel Discussion CAPSC held in the spring with the participation of the Education Minister, the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CBE Chief Superintendent, we submitted several follow up questions to the Minister from our membership. The questions appear below and then the text of the Minister's letter and responses follow.

1. When will we in Alberta be able to count on sustainable funding for public education? When will the roller coaster ride with funding stop? As a taxpayer, a parent of 2 students in the public school system, a former key communicator at a Calgary school, a former president of a political action committee of a parent council in Edmonton, a teacher and now a parent of a young woman about to enter the teaching profession, I am concerned that we have been on the same roller coaster ride for the past 21 years. It is time for our government to stop the carnival ride and give the students in the province a future with a commitment to fund public education in a consistent and equitable manner. Why are we being told to that school boards must find ways to "be creative" in finding ways to do more with less. This demand is getting really old. Our students are our future, not pawns in the government's budget chess game.

2. Minister Hancock briefly mentioned that the average wage increase (or inflation) looks more like 4.56% instead of the 4.4% used in the budget. How many millions of dollars does this mean to the CBE and when would AB Education forward these funds? I remember last year there was considerable debate and it took some time but the Government of Alberta eventually came forward with the money (this was due to a change in the way the AWE was calculated but they honoured it). Before the CBE runs RAM and layoffs staff will the CBE first follow-up with AB Education for these funds and budget according to the revised amount?

3. In addition with the price of oil over $100 and projected to stay there for the entire budget year from a number of sources the Government of Alberta has additional funds they are keeping in their back pocket. I believe they used an oil price of $85 per barrel in the budget. Given the disproportionate nature of the current funding mechanism (I heard one school board is receiving 140% of their budget) will the Minister of Education seek to cover the budget shortfalls for those education boards that have shortfalls.

4. Is the Government of Alberta going to look at alternate funding models? It seems extremely inefficient to have some school boards run shortfalls when others are receiving more than their budgets. Would it not make more sense for the GOA to recognize some board expenses are higher per student (ESL, special needs, etc.) than others and use past year data to distribute the Education dollars according to budget needs? Alternatively adjust the formulas such that boards receive more ESL, special needs students, etc. funding and less for regular students such that you don't have some school boards with extreme surpluses and others with shortfalls. (and they should not use administration and our $6MM lease as an argument because we are less than the 4% maximum)

5. I have been a parent representative with a CBE focus group looking at noon supervision fees. Naturally transportation comes up in this conversation. I understand from these conversations and a little research that the province is reviewing the Metro Urban Funding Framework for Transportation. Currently it is a set amount per student expected to need transportation in a lump sum but it does not take into account factors like our large population of special needs students, urban sprawl, traffic, increasing costs of accessing public transit etc. When can we expect to see some changes to this funding framework?

6. The Alberta Government supports choice in education; in fact, it is embedded in the School Act. Why does the government only fund transportation for Charter Schools and not fund transportation for programs of choice in the public system?

Dear Leslie Newton and Eryn Kelly:

Thank you for your May 5, 2011 letter and for providing a copy of the followup questions from the education panel discussion.

I trust the following information will be helpful.

1. I would like to assure you that I fought hard to ensure the integrity of the education budget was maintained. In perspective, Education continues to be the second largest provincial allotment in Budget 2011 - a total of 17.3 per cent of the overall budget - second only to the Ministry of Health and Wellness. During the last 10 years, funding to the education system has increased by 63 per cent while student enrolment has increased by three per cent.

Government's commitment to the success of every student remains one of its highest priorities. Under Budget 2011, total support for the Early Childhood Services to Grade 12 education system (including opted-out support) will be nearly $6.4 billion, an operating increase of $258 million, or 4.4 per cent, over the previous year. This translates to an investment of about $32 million each day students are in school.

2. On April 15, 2011, I announced that school boards will receive additional funding to address the 4.54 per cent teacher salary increase, based on the Alberta Average Weekly Earnings index for the 2011/2012 school year. This funding honours government's commitment as outlined in the five-year Memorandum of Agreement with teachers and school boards. Effective September 1, 2011, the Base Instruction and Class Size Initiative grants will increase by 4.54 per cent to recognize teacher salaries.

To provide context to these numbers, at the original rate of 4.4 per cent,Grades 1 to 9 students would be funded a total of $6,488.01 per student. At the new rate of 4.54 per cent, students will be funded at $6,496.71 perstudent - a difference of $8.7per student.

3. I recognize that some boards will be challenged in developing their budgets this year. By focusing on our core programs, supporting the use of the collaborative practices and being open-minded, innovative and willing to consider new ways of doing things, I am confident that school boards will continue to provide high-quality education programs for their students.

4. Alberta's funding distribution model, the Renewed Funding
Framework, empowers locally elected school boards to provide a quality education that reflects the needs of their local students and constituents. The framework distributes funds equitably, provides maximum flexibility to accommodate local decision-making and requires public accountability for the use of resources and the results achieved.

This allocation model is based on the assumption that you noted in your letter - jurisdictions receive funding for considerable variables beyond beyond their control (e.g. demographic, geographic) over and above the basic operational costs. Some allocation formulas are directly linked to student populations, some address the increased costs of delivering education to different types of learners, while others recognize the costs of operating in different areas of the province.

Funding is distributed to boards in three categories: base,differential and targeted funding. Together, these grant categories ensure that school jurisdictions are funded in a diverse and dynamic manner. For more information on the funding framework, please visit the Education Funding in Alberta booklet on Education's website at www.education.alberta.ca/media/954300/ginalbooklet.pdf.

5. Over the past two years, Education staff have met on numerous
occasions with the four metro school boards regarding possible changes to the metro transportation funding model. Ongoing initiatives, such as the new Education Act, Inspiring Action and Action on Inclusion, along with potential changes to associated regulations, will undoubtedly inform the direction of this impending review.

6. Education respects the right of parents to educate their children at their school of choice. Under the School Act, school boards are only required to provide for the transportation for students attending their designated schools who reside 2.4 kilometers or farther from that school. Students attending a school of choice in the public system are eligible for transportation funding as long as they reside 2.4 kilometers or farther from both their designated school and the school of choice they are attending.

Charter schools receive student transportation funding based on actual students transported, not on eligible passenger students (as do public and separate school jurisdictions); they do not have a legal obligation to provide transportation services and, as such, may choose which students they provide transportation services to.

Albertans expect their children to receive a quality education - one delivered in a collaborative manner that helps children reach their full potential. Alberta's economy, our people and how we do business are all in a period of change. Our children are entitled to an education that prepares them to be global citizens who participate in a global economy.

In recent years, Education has consulted extensively with stakeholders - particularly parents, teachers and other education professionals. Certain patterns and priorities emerged and, undoubtedly, this budget reflects the overarching priorities of Albertans as best as possible in a fiscally conscious time. Education has led by example: almost 100 positions have been eliminated and the ministry's budget has been reduced by 20 per cent. Our commitment is to ensure equity of opportunity for students while minimizing impact on students, teachers and school authorities.

Thank you for meeting with me and for your organization's work as education advocates in Alberta.

Yours truly,

Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister

Alberta Liberal Party chooses leader on September 10

On Saturday, September 10, the Alberta Liberal Party will be choosing a new leader from the following five candidates:

Laurie Blakeman: Policies, Video: Education as an Asset, Website

Bill Harvey: Solutions, Website

Hugh MacDonald: Website

Bruce Payne: Website

Raj Sherman: Policy, Website

Have a look at the Alberta Liberal Party K to 12 Education Policy. They are inviting Albertans to share their thoughts and provide feedback on the policy.

CAPSC has sent questionnaires to all the ALP leadership candidates and to date we have received a response from Laurie Blakeman.

Save Our Fine Arts (SOFA) also has questionnaire and candidate responses posted on their website.

For more information about the Alberta Liberal Party leadership race, check out their website.

Progressive Conservative Leadership Candidates Speak Out on Education Funding Shortfalls

In a recent Calgary Herald Article, "Tory leadership candidates slam Stelmach government," PC leadership contenders spoke out about education funding shortfalls. Five of the six candidates are quoted as saying that the current level of government funding is not adequate and are calling for increased investment in education.

CAPSC has sent questionnaires to all the PC leadership candidates and to date we have received three responses from Doug Griffiths, Gary Mar and Alison Redford.

Save Our Fine Arts (SOFA) also has questionnaire and candidate responses posted on their website.

Education platforms for each of the leadership candidates:

Alison Redford: Education funding, K to 12 Education, Website

Rick Orman: Issues, Website

Ted Morton: Website

Gary Mar: K to 12 Education Policy, Website

Doug Horner: Policy Framework - Education, Website

Doug Griffiths: Education Policy, Website

The first ballot for the PC leadership takes place Saturday, September 17 and if needed a second ballot is scheduled for Saturday, October 1.

Stakeholder Report at Board Meeting

CAPSC Stakeholder Report
Presented at the June 28, 2011 Public Meeting of the CBE Board of Trustees

Thank you Chair Cochrane, Trustees. My name is Eryn Kelly and I am the Co-President of the Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils. We are a city-wide parent and school council non-profit group that brings parents, community members and guests together on a monthly basis throughout the school year to network and engage around educational issues that impact our students. We also advocate on those educational issues that require the ‘voice’ of our constituency to speak out upon.
While our roots go back to the early years of public education in Calgary, CAPSC, in its current form, will celebrate its 10th anniversary this September. We have held a stakeholder seat at public meetings of the board of trustees since 1985.

In the 2010/2011 school year, we have facilitated public engagement opportunities for our members and the public in a variety of ways:

In the fall, we hosted former Trustees Gordon Dirks and Nancy Close who led a discussion around the roles and responsibilities of trustees and the importance of making an informed vote. This led into the trustee candidate forums that we organized and held across the city in each ward pairing during last years’ civic election. In partnership with ATA Local 38, we provided each Trustee candidate with a questionnaire in advance of each of the forums. Their responses to these important educational queries were collected and then posted online for access and commentary by our members and any other interested member of our community.
We utilized social media for the first time to advertise both of these initiatives and our reach was expanded exponentially.

The new Education Act was introduced in the spring legislative session. Prior to that, Alberta Education kindly sent a representative to discuss the framework for this legislation with our parents and bring their feedback back to Edmonton. This was very well received by our members. Several trustees were also there to listen and share their perspective.

Education Minister, Dave Hancock, Chief Superintendent, Naomi Johnson, and Chair, Pat Cochrane participated in our education panel discussion which brought out over 300 concerned citizens. The Chief Superintendent also attended one of our monthly meetings along with several members of the finance and communications departments to discuss the issue of the budget shortfall. Following that meeting, Finance and communications facilitated and attended a follow-up get-together to further explore and explain.

CAPSC could not do this job alone and we deeply value the collaborative relationship we have with the board, administration, ATA and other stakeholder organizations.

Over the year, our members and the public have also had many opportunities to engage with trustees at our meetings around a variety of issues both formally and informally. Our role as a critical friend to the board has a rich and varied history and is something we and our members place great value on. We will continue to ask provocative questions and offer informed perspectives and constructive criticism as a friend. As a critical friend we will always take the time to fully understand the context of any information presented and the possible threats and opportunities that will affect the Calgary Board of Education students and their families. We will continue to be advocates for the success and improvement of public education.

We hope that trustees will continue to place great value on this role as well and continue to maximize the public engagement opportunities that our meetings offer as they have proven to be a very effective way to engage parents. CAPSC will continue working in collaboration with our stakeholders and with an educative purpose to provide parents with meaningful information and resources.

Poll: 7 in 10 Albertans believe the government is underfunding education

The Alberta Teachers' Association released the results of a public opinion poll today. The poll was conducted by Environics Research Group and is accurate to within 3.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The poll was commissioned by the ATA.

Highlights:

70% believe government is underfunding education

18% of Albertans believe the right amount is being spent on education (lowest level in 10 years)

57% believe the Government is most responsible for cuts to education (20% blame education sector unions, 11% blame school boards, 3% blame teachers)

Financial Accountability and Best Practice at the CBE

At the May 3 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees, CAPSC submitted two questions related to financial accountability and best practice at the CBE during Question Period. The questions were read into the record and while responses were not immediately available, the board did respond to us in writing and read them into the public record at a later board meeting (these responses are in regular text). CAPSC felt further clarification was required so they were resubmitted but not for Question Period (these responses are in bold italic text).

Question #1

Alberta Education’s Accountability Framework requires detailed reporting from school boards. For example, school boards are required to submit audited financial statements to the Minister on an annual basis. The Ministry closely reviews the statements and documentation surrounding these filings and provides feedback to the boards either in the form of incentives for good performance or penalties and disincentives for poor performance. The Auditor General also reviews the work of not only the Ministry of Education but also school boards. Reviews by the Ministry or the Auditor General are not limited to financial reporting but would also include important items like governance. From reading what is publicly available, nothing seems to indicate that the CBE is in trouble in either case. Boards who are judged to be poor performers are being dealt with publicly as is the case with the Northland School Division. There may be recommendations for improvement for some other school boards that are not specifically named but there is follow up and continued monitoring of these boards. Could the CBE share any feedback that they have received from the Ministry in regards to the Accountability Framework?

Response:

Alberta Education expects a clean audit opinion (unqualified audit) annually from school districts. The CBE has experienced a clean audit for at least the last 15 years. The CBE has never experienced a performance or operational review by either Alberta Education or the Office of the Auditor General.

The Office of the Auditor General undertook a budget process review of 13 school districts (including the CBE) approximately five years ago and the CBE was identified as having exemplary budgeting and reporting processes.

In regards to the Accountability Pillar tied to financial matters, there are no prescribed stand-alone documents stated or required from Alberta Education. However, when it comes to accountability and financial reporting to Alberta Education, the Calgary Board of Education provides an Audited Financial Statement (AFS) in the format mandated by Alberta Education and as required by the School Act (November 30th of each year). Feedback is provided to all jurisdictions on the submitted AFS. The feedback is usually received two to three months after the submission of the statements. Feedback received pertains to disclosure and confirming amounts in any of the statements or schedules.

In addition, embedded in the Calgary Board of Education’s Annual Education Results Report there are financial summary details of the most recently completed fiscal year, including revenues, expenses by program, any net use or application of operating funds and the organization’s overall financial position. As mandated by Alberta Education, the organization further provides financial information regarding School Generated Funds (SGF) and under this program how revenues are generated and how funds are spent to augment student learning.

Question #2

Alberta Education has a role in supporting school boards in their financial oversight which includes reviewing budgets, quarterly updates, and audited financial statements. In response to the 2005/2006 Auditor General’s Report, Alberta Education set up a Task Force under MLA Janice Saarich, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education. Out of this 2010 report came a set of best practices to assist trustees and superintendents to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their financial oversight activities. This checklist, found in Appendix 6 on page 53 of the report, is described as an assessment tool for current practice in oversight activities. Could the board go through the list and comment on each of the best practices as they pertain to the Calgary Board of Education.

http://www.asboa.ab.ca/PDF/jsfinancialtaskforceeditsfinal.pdf

Response:

Alberta Education has identified the budgeting and reporting processes that are required to be followed and the CBE conducts this work in alignment with these processes and ensures best practices are followed.

It is incumbent upon the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) to utilize best practice; sound financial business processes and incorporate these within the budgeting, monitoring and reporting cycles of the organization.

Below is a commentary on how the CBE incorporates these as referenced in the checklist found on page 53 of the Appendix 6 to the 2010 report identified above.

Building Financial Capacity for School Board Trustees and Superintendents – Appendix 6 – Best Practices:
Budget Assumptions

• Considerable planning for the Operating Budget takes place – usually commencing in December of each fiscal year.
• The CBE fully considers the enrolment projections forecasted for the upcoming year (all types) and these are provided to the Board in January.
• The CBE identifies and incorporates the following budget assumptions which are shared with the Board:
o CBE Finance Department considers and collaborates with Human Resources regarding resolved and expected salary increases based on comparable organizations (ie: City of Calgary) and considers general economic conditions for all staff.
o CBE considers all grid movements anticipated for staff in those specified categories.
o CBE considers all announced statutory changes (employer’s share of CPP, EI, Pension plans).
o The CBE includes revenue change expectations (uses the Provincial Budget announcement and all associated grant rate changes).
o Other income sources (non Provincial) are fully considered (ie: interest income/Fees).
o Transportation budget is considered including inflationary increases (fuel prices, etc.) and expected service offerings.
o Identifies all other contractual obligations (changes).
o The CBE builds and develops the budget in full alignment with the CBE Three-Year Education Plan.
o The Preliminary Budget and supporting assumptions and documentations are shared with the Board of Trustees as part of the budget approval process.

Budget Updates
• The entire CBE budget is recalculated in the first quarter of every school year and reflects the confirmed student count at September 30 and all program requirements based on confirmed student need (ie: demand for Full day Kindergarten.) All revenues are recalculated and the Resource Allocation Method (Fall Schools RAM process) confirms the spending at schools and any required amended operating reserve draw(s) are placed before the Board for their consideration and approval.
• The Fall Budget Update or a full Budget report, as prescribed by Alberta education, is placed before the board of Trustees for approval before being formally submitted to Alberta Education.
• The budget is updated to reflect changes for revenues and associated expenses, staffing changes and finalization of operating reserves for the previous year.

Financial Monitoring
• The Board of Trustees receives quarterly reports with projections to year end (Variances) for both the operating and capital budgets in accordance with Executive Limitation 11: Financial Condition.
• Superintendents’ Team monitors all spending for the organization as a whole and individual Superintendent’s monitor their own operating or capital budgets at the Department and Service Unit level, significant variances are investigated and mitigated as required during the year.
• Managers, Directors and Superintendents have explicit responsibility for budgetary control as articulated in their position description for their area of accountability.
• Recommendations for budget adjustments by the Board of Trustees is communicated through these quarterly reports for consideration and approval.

Financial Health
• Is a dual responsibility of the Board of Trustees and Superintendents Team. Avoiding fiscal jeopardy is always in the forefront of the operating budget process to ensure a liquid and long term sustainable service offer to students. The Board of Trustees has prescribed Executive Limitations and especially Executive Limitation 10 – Budget Process to ensure prudent budgeting processes to ensure the long term financial health of the organization. The Board monitors compliance with EL-10 on an annual basis. The Financial Health of the organization is also considered with respect to available operating reserves to support any planned expenditures on a one time basis. The Board’s auditors also monitor the health of the organization as part of the annual audit process (going concern).
• Projections are forecast out two to three years to ensure the long term fiscal health of the organization is not jeopardized.

Audit Committee
• The Board of Trustees has a fully functioning audit committee that recommends approval of the audit plan and recommends to the Board of Trustees approval of the year end financial statements. The audit committee exercises its function through approved Terms of Reference. The Audit Committee includes Board members and external public members to review internal control adequacy. Members of the Audit Committee are able to ask questions of the appointed external auditors about any audit findings or other matters with and without administration present.

Internal Audit
• The organization has an internal controls advisor position within Corporate Financial Services whose primary function is to provide general advice and best practice concepts regarding matters of internal control. In addition, the auditors through their audit findings, report potential internal control improvements to Administration.

Capacity Training for School Board Trustees and Superintendents
• Internal training is provided to new Trustees following election, and includes financial reporting, financial literacy, financial monitoring and governance by CBE staff and through the Alberta School Boards Association.

Medicine Hat Catholic Considering Transportation Fees

An article in the Medicine Hat News, "ASBA member suggests fees for Catholic school busing," discusses the issues arising from the $116,000 that the board spends on subsidizing bus students who are ineligible for provincial transportation funding. Currently, money is coming out of the operating budget to cover this cost. While it appears no action will be taken this year, the board is predicting its deficit will grow from 835,000 to $1.2M in the 2012/2013 school year and if funding doesn't increase, fees could likely become part of the conversation.

'"It would be a real departure from what we have traditionally done, and we're quite sure some parents wouldn't be happy about it," Leahy said.'

Positive Trend in High School Completion/Drop Out Rates

In a recent news release, "High school completion rate continues upward climb," Alberta Education shares that the three-year high school completion rate rose to 72.6% in 2010 from 71.5% in 2009. The five year completion rate remained at 79%. The drop out rate for students between the ages of 14 to 18 declined from 4.3% in 2009 to 4.2% in 2010.

At the Calgary Board of Education, the Interim Three-Year Education Plan 2011 - 2014 report went to the Board of Trustees at the June 14 public meeting. Good news around high school results were in the report. The three-year high school completion rate was improved and now stands at 70.8% The drop out rate for students between the ages of 14and 18 improved significantly and now stands at 4.1%.

Kids drop out of school for many reasons and the process often starts early on in their school career. Alberta Education has recently introduced an interesting website High School Completion Strategic Framework. There is a Parent Info tab that has links to resources that can help parents keep their kids in school or help those who dropped out return to high school.

Editorial: Education is part of a prosperous province

An editorial that appeared in the Canmore Leader, "Education is part of a prosperous province," opens with the statement, "If you are a parent in Alberta, if you are even thinking of raising a child in Alberta, if you care about the future of this province in any way, you might consider writing a letter to ..."

Education funding is an issue across this province and touches every school board. While a few boards may weather this storm and minimize impacts to the classroom with dwindling reserves, they have shared that it is only a matter of time before their well runs dry. At the last board meeting, we learned that eight school boards in the province were in such dire straights that the province had to provide some assistance.

CBE News Release

CBE ADMINISTRATION PRESENTS 2011-2012
OPERATING BUDGET TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CALGARY —CBE Administration will present the detailed preliminary operating budget for the 2011-2012 school year to Trustees during the public board meeting on June 14.

The report is Administration’s recommendation to optimize learning and delivery of our Three-Year Education Plan to more than 100,000 students while balancing the budget.

The Board of Trustees will review the operating budget for information on Tuesday, and are scheduled to approve it on June 28. The budget is not finalized until Sept. 30 when student enrolment for the school year is confirmed.

“Everyone in the Calgary Board of Education is committed to student learning,” says Naomi Johnson, Chief Superintendent of Schools. “We are educators who build the best possible plan for students with the funding we are provided.”

The operating budget recommends exactly how Administration proposes to deal with the budget shortfall resulting from the provincial budget. Since February, the Calgary Board of Education has estimated the accumulated shortfall to be $61.7 million for the 2011-12 school year. Although a budget process is dynamic and numbers have been refined, $61.7 million remains a reasonable estimate of the shortfall.

To close the budget gap, Administration’s approach has been consistent since it was first outlined in March. Costs have been reduced through initiatives in three categories:

1. redesigning central services;
2. depleting available reserves; and
3. fulfilling a commitment to keep students first by asking schools to contribute last in reducing school-based budgets.

The contribution from each category has been refined over time. For example, the amount of applicable reserves is now calculated to be $19.3 million. On March 22, the amount was estimated to be $12 million. By April 19, the estimate increased to $18.5 million. The changes—which are relatively small in the context of a $1.1 billion budget—ultimately reduce the impact on schools

Here are additional facts from the report and the budget process.

- The revenue from the provincial government is $1.012 billion compared to $1.002 billion for the current year. The revenue for 2010-11 has been restated to reflect a budget requirement from the provincial government for 2011-12. The province’s share of the cost of teacher pensions will flow through the CBE operating budget starting next year. The revenue increase is offset by an equal expense so there is no bottom-line change. The change is being made to fully reflect the cost of teachers to school districts across the province.


- The CBE budget breaks down into four major expense categories: salaries and benefits: 77 per cent; services: 11 per cent; supplies and materials: eight per cent; and amortization charges: four per cent.


- The CBE is expected to employ 8,783 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, 331 fewer FTEs than the current year. The estimated reduction is comprised of 174.2 school-based positions, 170.7 of whom are teachers. The full impact on positions and employees will not be known until enrolment and budget are finalized.


- Budgets are not finalized until after Sept. 30, 2011, when actual enrolments are known by schools and school districts.


- The CBE estimates enrolment will increase for the 2011-12 school year by 658 students or 0.6 per cent. Budgeted enrolment for the current year was 102,674.


- The administrative cost, as a percentage of the total budget, will be 3.8 per cent, including the Board of Trustees. This figure betters the provincial maximum of four per cent.


- The board-funded capital budget of $19.75 million, which was approved May 17, is not included in the operating budget.

The full details of the 2011-2012 operating budget are attached below and available at www.cbe.ab.ca.

“No matter how difficult, a budget is merely a means to an end,” says Johnson. “As we finalize the budget and close one school year, we can begin to look forward to learning of a new year—after a well-deserved break for our students and employees.”

2011 - 2012 CBE Budget Webpage

2011/2012 Preliminary Operating Budget

CAPSC Executive became aware that the 2011/2012 Preliminary Operating Budget had been leaked over the weekend by someone at the board when media began contacting us on Sunday morning for comment. We did not see the document until it was released to the public this afternoon and have not yet had the opportunity to fully review the contents of the approximately $1.1B budget document.

The 2011/2012 Preliminary Operating Budget is now available online along with the agenda and other reports going before the Board of Trustees Tuesday evening. CAPSC Executive will be at the meeting and commit to bringing complete and accurate information back to our parents and school councils. There will be a two week period before the trustees approve the budget on Tuesday, June 28 where you will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions of your trustee. We would also be interested to hear what you have to say so please drop us a line.

Eryn Kelly, Co-President eryn.kelly@capsc.ca
Leslie Newton, Co-President Leslie.Newton@capsc.ca

Kindergarten in the news

The Globe & Mail has been been following several students who are enrolled in a full day kindergarten program in a series of engaging articles, "The Kindergarten Diaries." Three provinces are now offering full day kindergarten with a focus on play based learning. There are lots of links to other articles, but one of particular interest deals with the age of entry - "Should late-birthday kids sit out a year?"

Update: A recent article in the Vancouver Sun, "Full-day kindergarten a success", discusses the positive feedback from parents, teachers, and principals.

The L.A. Times has an interesting read, "On the question of when to start Kindergarten, there's no easy A," that also concludes that there are no clear answers to be had on the subject.

Alberta Education provides a comprehensive guide for parents, "2011-2012 Kindergarten Curriculum Handbook for Parents," and the Calgary Board of Education provides kindergarten information on its website. Children who are 4 years old by March 1 of the current school year are eligible to attend. Kindergarten is optional.

Important Fee Waiver Information for Parents and Families affected by Transportation Fee increases

Check out the CBE's fee waiver form as there are several categories of eligibility. If you look at item 2: We are low income but not on Provincial Social Services, the CBE asks for a photocopy of the Alberta Works Child Health Benefit card and the letter of renewal for the current year.

A single parent of three children with a maximum qualifying income of $34, 056 is eligible for this benefit. A couple with three children with a maximum qualifying income of $38,997 is eligible as well. Additional children mean a higher maximum qualifying income. There are also exceptions granted if your income is higher than what appears in the table. You can calculate your income by looking at your last income tax return and taking basic income(Line 236), adding any child support you receive (Line 156) and subtracting tax paid (Line 128).

The CBE also has a waiver "hotline" at (403)817-7440 where you can get many of your questions answered. You will likely get voicemail due to volume but we are told all calls are returned.

Note: If you qualify for the Child Health Benefit you may also qualify for the City of Calgary's Fee Assistance for Recreation program.

Transportation Fee Schedule finalized for 2011/2012

Trustees Carol Bazinet and Sheila Taylor declared a pecuniary interest on all items and removed themselves from the Transporation Fee Schedule debate. Trustee Bowen-Eyre declared a pecuniary interest on item 3 that dealt with the Elementary Charter Transportation Fee at which point she removed herself but remained to discuss, debate and vote on all other items.

Summary of Fees/month ($)

Senior High
Calgary Transit $39.25 (was $35.75)
Ineligible Transit $54.25 (was $54.25)

Kindergarten and Grades 1-9
Kindergarten Charter $21.50 (was $20)
Elementary, grades 1 - 6, Charter $29.50 (was $20)
Junior High, grades 7 - 9, Charter $33.50 (was $20)
Junior High, grades 7 - 9, Calgary Transit $33.50 (was $20)
Eligible Special Needs Students, grades 10 - 12 $29.50 (was $20)
Family Maximum eliminated (was $40)
Conditional Charter $33.50 (was $20)

Final fee structure was a mix of full and partial cost recovery. This blend of options saved approximately $500, 000 and now administration will have to cut elsewhere to make up a balance of approximately $300,000. These cuts will not be made at the school level. Families, especially those impacted by the removal of the family maximum are encouraged to apply for a waiver.

Debate was lengthy and detailed but variety of values surfaced in the conversation amongst trustees and administration - details to follow in a later post. Noon Hour supervision fee review focus group was referenced as well and it clearly indicated a more comprehensive engagement process was needed around values and the entire fee structure. Such a review would be a longer process than the time available in June. This work will begin in the fall.

Early media report from CHQR News.

Please let us know if you have any questions/comments....

Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) and Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) sign agreement

From the Alberta School Boards' Association e-newsletter it was announced that,

At the June Spring General Meeting ASBA President Jacquie Hansen and a representative of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association will sign a protocol agreement between the ASBA and the AUMA. The two associations hope to work together on the following: serving as role-models for cooperation between municipalities and school boards locally; advocating together on school closures, infrastructure needs and municipal elections; drug awareness programs and trustee development.

The agreement was signed on June 7 by both parties. Read the AUMA press release.

Education Minister: Don't expect any major funding announcements over the summer

At the Spring General Meeting of the Alberta School Boards' Association, the Hon. Dave Hancock told boards there would be no additional funding in this budget for cash strapped boards. According to this Calgary Herald article, "School Boards warned not to expect more funds," the Education Minister did make a "promise to take a look at addressing rising fuel costs" impacting transportation and approach the Treasury Board for additional funding. Check out the CTV News video, CBE considers bussing options.

CTV News also reported on the Minister's comments at the ASBA meeting and have a video available, Education Minister meets with trustees, that includes interviews with the Hon. Dave Hancock; Jacquie Hansen, ASBA President; and Pat Cochrane, Chair of the CBE Board of Trustees.

CBE Trustees to consider three alternatives for transportation fees at June 7 public board meeting

The Calgary Board of Education announced in a press release today that trustees will be considering three alternatives for transportation fees while maintaining current service levels. Administration is recommending "partial cost recovery—increase fees while subsidizing costs with some instructional dollars," in order to "mitigate impact on families."

Administration also comments in the report that, "Should the Board of Trustees not approve any of the proposed scenarios for the 2011/2012 Transportation Fee Schedule, administration would need to adjust service levels and transportation routes for the start of the 2011-2012 school year and transportation service might not be fully operational when school begins."

The report goes on to say that, "The public discussion and debate about transportation fees for the 2011-12 school year has surfaced many real and difficult issues. As such a comprehensive review of all fees needs to occur early in the 2011-2012 school year in order to ascertain the public’s guiding principles for the entire fee structure and balance them with the Board of Trustees’ requirements."

Hon. Dave Hancock's address to the Public School Boards' Association

The Hon. Dave Hancock, Education Minister, in a recent address to the Public School Boards' Association at their Spring General Assembly, talked about education funding and what we really need to focus on to ensure a strong future for our education system.

2011/2012 Transportation Fee Schedule back before the board at June 7 public meeting

The 2011/2012 Transportation Fee Schedule had been on the public agenda for the May 3 board meeting. However, it was pulled prior to the meeting to allow for changes in the recommendations to accommodate the pecuniary interests that arose for some trustees and maximize their opportunity to discuss, debate and vote on the fee structure.

The revised report came back to the public meeting of the board held May 17. Trustees, who participated in the discussion, rejected the 60% fee increase and returned the report to Administration for new scenarios for funding. This does not mean that fees will not be raised in the returning report. It means the system of rebates for High School (Calgary Transit Services), family maximums and fee increases will have to be rejigged or eliminated or some combination thereof. The revised report is expected to be on the agenda for the June 7 public meeting of the board.

CAPSC has blogged previously about government funding levels for student transportation, ways the board has and is trying to minimize fee increases, and cost factors that challenge metro urban boards like the Calgary Board of Education (see blog archive for May). CAPSC has also spoken out in the media about the impacts fee increases will have on families.

One of the issues impacting student transportation costs is urban sprawl and this has been a high profile civic issue both here in Calgary and in Edmonton. It is clear that cities with populations of 1M plus like Calgary face deeper and more complex issues and factors like sprawl and complexity may not be fully accounted for in the province's funding formula for metro urban boards. This is currently under study by Alberta Education.

Back in May 2005, the Alberta School Boards' Metro School Boards Study raised the issue of urban sprawl and the complexities metro urban boards face. Discussion of these issues start on page 43 of the report. All of this is revisited in the later report, At the breaking point: Alberta's student transportation system.

The Metro Study suggested that the following factors need to be considered in a new transportation funding framework:

1. Needs and requirements of special education student transportation

2. Location of magnet schools

3. Urban sprawl – need to transport students from high growth areas on the periphery of the cities into the lower growth areas in older neighbourhoods

4. Traffic complexities and impact on ride times

5. Student safety – traffic patterns, school bus drop off bypasses, major
traffic routes and the nature of the areas that students must pass through

6. Need to utilize a wide range of transportation service providers – from
taxies to yellow busses

7. Increasing costs of accessing public transit

8. Needs of students and demands of parents

9. Costs of securing, training and maintaining qualified drivers and other
persons

10. Programs of choice

11. Small schools by necessity

12. School closures

13. Service carrier contracts

An excerpt from the later report notes that in the 2007/2008 school year, "metro boards were provided with funding to implement a computerized transportation software program like Edulog or Versa Track. It is anticipated that the implementation of these software programs will provide for a transported student information base that can be used as the foundation for a simplified revised metro allocation formula that considers actual eligible transported students rather than expected."

The CBE had to purchase the software in the spring of 2007 and have submitted reports to Alberta Education for four years now - the first of which was during the 2007-08 school year.

Of interest, is a timely article that recently appeared in Fast Forward Weekly's Calgary Life & Style Urban Living section, "A costly ride to school," that discusses the hidden costs of urban sprawl as it applies to student transportation. Urban sprawl is a complex issue with no easy, fast answers but public awareness and willingness to address these issues seems to be on the rise.

In the meantime...