Friday, February 25, 2011
CBE Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson Comments on the Budget
Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson, in a video statement, has shared that funding to the board will be down an estimated 6% overall even as costs to educate students continue to rise. The Alberta School Boards Association, in its media release, warns that "services to students will be cut because of the budget." The Alberta Teachers' Association adds "that this budget will result in a loss of teaching positions." Education Minister, Dave Hancock, comments on education impacts during this CTV news presentation from Edmonton.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Budget 2011: Not a Good News Story for the CBE
CBE Communications kindly forwarded the text for Chair Cochrane's statement to media following the release of the Government of Alberta's Budget 2011.
“Today, the provincial government released the 2011/12 budget for education. Sadly, the Calgary Board of Education’s fears have been realized.
The CBE is squarely in the middle between parental expectations and the financial realities created by the provincial government.
So, what are we hearing from parents? Over the past week, we have received over 1,000 responses to our survey asking parents and other Calgarians about their priorities for their children’s education.
Their responses are clear: The CBE must protect the learning environment that has proven so successful while incorporating flexible approaches to learning. Parents want our education system to be solely focused on their children. And we agree.
In order to meet the expectations of students and parents, the Calgary Board of Education requires stable and predictable funding year over year.
People may ask “isn’t that what you are getting in this budget?” And to explain our current situation, it is important to take a step back and look at the budget construction for the CBE.
Almost 80% of funds are dedicated to salaries. Over 60% is for our teachers. This is appropriate. It is our teachers and staff who have the most direct impact on students.
Almost five years ago, this government, under then Minister of Education Ron Leipert, negotiated a long term contract with the ATA on behalf of all of the Boards of Education throughout Alberta.
This agreement was designed to solve problems for the ATA (unfunded pensions) and the provincial government (labour peace).
In solving these issues, the province has created some long-term problems for the Calgary Board of Education.
Simply put, it is the CBE who must pay for the agreement. Over the past two years, the cost escalation written into the agreement by the provincial government has put significant financial pressures on the CBE resulting in a deficit of over 16 million dollars last year.
This year, with the budget numbers presented in the Legislature this afternoon, our shortfall will be even higher without dramatic intervention.
I also need to clarify how the budget impacts the Calgary Board of Education. Some would say, “you got an increase in funding - that’s good right.” Under normal circumstances, that could be the case. But not in the fiscal environment created by this government.
This budget gives with one hand, takes away with another while hiding the true unfunded program costs at the same time.
We did appear to get an increase in funding of over 28 million dollars. This increase is not even enough to fund the full impact of our salaried staff increases as promised by this government. We also have to factor in increases to teachers as dictated through grid increases based on length of service to the Board and salary growth to our other non-instructional staff.
And, in the same budget document no less than six funding programs will be either completely eliminated or reduced by half including:
Grade 4 - 6 class size funding
Enhanced ESL
AISI
Just to name a few.
These reductions result in a total loss of funding of 25 million dollars.
In other words, we seem to have a net increase of only $3 million.
Due primarily to the agreements negotiated by this government, our projected shortfall will be approximately $60 million dollars.
Sadly, our prediction yesterday that this government would move funds from one funding program to another has also come true. This government has provided only partial funding to cover their own negotiated agreement with our professional teaching staff.
Finally, we have been asked to be creative in finding solutions. We want to be creative. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions for students.
In light of this devastating budget, I have a series of questions for Education Minister Dave Hancock.
Mr Minister, how can the CBE commit to providing manageable class sizes when you have removed the funding?
How are we to accommodate an increasing number of ESL students with reduced program funding and the loss of some funding completely?
How can we continue the momentum we have created in addressing the new educational environment created through the Inspiring Education series with AISI funding being cut by 50%?
What should we tell teachers when we have to reduce staff in order to pay for raises negotiated by your cabinet colleague?
I am appealing to all Calgarians who care about the future of Alberta and public education. Those who will employ our graduates, those who have children in our system and those who have attended one of our schools, please take action. Call your MLA. Ask for a meeting. Send an email.
I am prepared to take any questions you may have at this time."
“Today, the provincial government released the 2011/12 budget for education. Sadly, the Calgary Board of Education’s fears have been realized.
The CBE is squarely in the middle between parental expectations and the financial realities created by the provincial government.
So, what are we hearing from parents? Over the past week, we have received over 1,000 responses to our survey asking parents and other Calgarians about their priorities for their children’s education.
Their responses are clear: The CBE must protect the learning environment that has proven so successful while incorporating flexible approaches to learning. Parents want our education system to be solely focused on their children. And we agree.
In order to meet the expectations of students and parents, the Calgary Board of Education requires stable and predictable funding year over year.
People may ask “isn’t that what you are getting in this budget?” And to explain our current situation, it is important to take a step back and look at the budget construction for the CBE.
Almost 80% of funds are dedicated to salaries. Over 60% is for our teachers. This is appropriate. It is our teachers and staff who have the most direct impact on students.
Almost five years ago, this government, under then Minister of Education Ron Leipert, negotiated a long term contract with the ATA on behalf of all of the Boards of Education throughout Alberta.
This agreement was designed to solve problems for the ATA (unfunded pensions) and the provincial government (labour peace).
In solving these issues, the province has created some long-term problems for the Calgary Board of Education.
Simply put, it is the CBE who must pay for the agreement. Over the past two years, the cost escalation written into the agreement by the provincial government has put significant financial pressures on the CBE resulting in a deficit of over 16 million dollars last year.
This year, with the budget numbers presented in the Legislature this afternoon, our shortfall will be even higher without dramatic intervention.
I also need to clarify how the budget impacts the Calgary Board of Education. Some would say, “you got an increase in funding - that’s good right.” Under normal circumstances, that could be the case. But not in the fiscal environment created by this government.
This budget gives with one hand, takes away with another while hiding the true unfunded program costs at the same time.
We did appear to get an increase in funding of over 28 million dollars. This increase is not even enough to fund the full impact of our salaried staff increases as promised by this government. We also have to factor in increases to teachers as dictated through grid increases based on length of service to the Board and salary growth to our other non-instructional staff.
And, in the same budget document no less than six funding programs will be either completely eliminated or reduced by half including:
Grade 4 - 6 class size funding
Enhanced ESL
AISI
Just to name a few.
These reductions result in a total loss of funding of 25 million dollars.
In other words, we seem to have a net increase of only $3 million.
Due primarily to the agreements negotiated by this government, our projected shortfall will be approximately $60 million dollars.
Sadly, our prediction yesterday that this government would move funds from one funding program to another has also come true. This government has provided only partial funding to cover their own negotiated agreement with our professional teaching staff.
Finally, we have been asked to be creative in finding solutions. We want to be creative. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions for students.
In light of this devastating budget, I have a series of questions for Education Minister Dave Hancock.
Mr Minister, how can the CBE commit to providing manageable class sizes when you have removed the funding?
How are we to accommodate an increasing number of ESL students with reduced program funding and the loss of some funding completely?
How can we continue the momentum we have created in addressing the new educational environment created through the Inspiring Education series with AISI funding being cut by 50%?
What should we tell teachers when we have to reduce staff in order to pay for raises negotiated by your cabinet colleague?
I am appealing to all Calgarians who care about the future of Alberta and public education. Those who will employ our graduates, those who have children in our system and those who have attended one of our schools, please take action. Call your MLA. Ask for a meeting. Send an email.
I am prepared to take any questions you may have at this time."
Budget 2011/2012: Building a Better Alberta
The Budget is out. Please see the excerpt pertaining to Education below taken from the Backgrounder: Budget summary by Ministry. Check out the homepage for Alberta Education for a more detailed report as well.
Education
Budgeted program expense is nearly $6.2 billion in 2011-12, a net $164-million or 2.7-per-cent increase from the 2010-11 forecast. Operating expense increases by $251 million or 4.5 per cent, while support for school capital projects is $87 million lower in 2011-12.
Over $5.7 billion in operating and property tax support to school boards will be provided in 2011-12.
School boards will receive funding for the anticipated 4.4-per-cent increase in teachers’ salaries effective September 1, 2011, based on the forecast increase in Alberta’s Average Weekly Earnings Index for 2010. Funding is also provided for a 1.1-per-cent increase in general enrolment. There are increases for supports to students with severe disabilities and student transportation services. Selected grants are eliminated over the next two school years, including relative cost of purchasing and stabilization. Also, ongoing funding for the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement will be reduced by 50 per cent beginning with the 2011-12 school year.
School board operating grants in 2011-12 include:
• $468 million for plant operations and maintenance of school facilities.
• $299 million for current service payments for teachers’ pensions.
• $282 million to support students with severe disabilities.
• $260 million for student transportation services.
• $228 million for the Small Class Size Initiative.
2011-12 program expense also includes $288 million for school capital projects. There is nearly $702 million over three years budgeted in school capital support. This will provide:
• $411 million for new schools and upgrading projects; and
• $291 million for capital maintenance and renewal.
For information, contact Kathy Telfer 780-427-5423
Education
Budgeted program expense is nearly $6.2 billion in 2011-12, a net $164-million or 2.7-per-cent increase from the 2010-11 forecast. Operating expense increases by $251 million or 4.5 per cent, while support for school capital projects is $87 million lower in 2011-12.
Over $5.7 billion in operating and property tax support to school boards will be provided in 2011-12.
School boards will receive funding for the anticipated 4.4-per-cent increase in teachers’ salaries effective September 1, 2011, based on the forecast increase in Alberta’s Average Weekly Earnings Index for 2010. Funding is also provided for a 1.1-per-cent increase in general enrolment. There are increases for supports to students with severe disabilities and student transportation services. Selected grants are eliminated over the next two school years, including relative cost of purchasing and stabilization. Also, ongoing funding for the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement will be reduced by 50 per cent beginning with the 2011-12 school year.
School board operating grants in 2011-12 include:
• $468 million for plant operations and maintenance of school facilities.
• $299 million for current service payments for teachers’ pensions.
• $282 million to support students with severe disabilities.
• $260 million for student transportation services.
• $228 million for the Small Class Size Initiative.
2011-12 program expense also includes $288 million for school capital projects. There is nearly $702 million over three years budgeted in school capital support. This will provide:
• $411 million for new schools and upgrading projects; and
• $291 million for capital maintenance and renewal.
For information, contact Kathy Telfer 780-427-5423
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Speech from the Throne: Education
An excerpt relating to our education system from the Speech from the Throne that opened the fourth session of the twenty- seventh legislature today:
Educating the workforce of tomorrow
Of all Alberta’s natural resources, none is more valuable than our people. It is our ethical citizenship, engaged thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit that have made Alberta prosperous today – and which are the foundation of tomorrow’s promise. These are the qualities our education system must instill in our children as they grow into young adults, enabling them and our province to reach their full potential.
Alberta’s education system leads the world today. But we must not become complacent – our system must evolve if we are to continue to be leaders tomorrow. This means continuing to build capacity for local decision-making and fostering broader community engagement.
Your government will continue to implement a vision for an inclusive education system that supports students with special needs. We will equip the education system to offer students more flexible, engaging and personalized learning. And we will continue to build the teaching profession – recruiting, preparing and supporting the best and the brightest in becoming and remaining teachers.
Educating the workforce of tomorrow
Of all Alberta’s natural resources, none is more valuable than our people. It is our ethical citizenship, engaged thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit that have made Alberta prosperous today – and which are the foundation of tomorrow’s promise. These are the qualities our education system must instill in our children as they grow into young adults, enabling them and our province to reach their full potential.
Alberta’s education system leads the world today. But we must not become complacent – our system must evolve if we are to continue to be leaders tomorrow. This means continuing to build capacity for local decision-making and fostering broader community engagement.
Your government will continue to implement a vision for an inclusive education system that supports students with special needs. We will equip the education system to offer students more flexible, engaging and personalized learning. And we will continue to build the teaching profession – recruiting, preparing and supporting the best and the brightest in becoming and remaining teachers.
A Gap Year After High School?
A recent Globe & Mail article discusses the benefits of a gap year. In many cases, students are not ready to choose a program and end up in classes they don't enjoy, rack up debt and are at increased risk of dropping out.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
CBE Survey: Priorities for Public Education in 2011/2012 Budget
The Calgary Board of Education released a survey today that asks for feedback on upcoming budget priorities. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and the deadline is February 27.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Alberta Student engagement initiative...Students wanted
Speak out, is an opportunity for youth to discuss their perspectives and ideas on how to improve education.
Click, Here for more information and to register.
Click, Here for more information and to register.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Education Act on the Agenda for the Spring Sitting of the Alberta Legislature
In a news release today, the Alberta Government outlines its agenda for the spring sitting of the legislature. The spring sitting will open February 22. Much of the focus will be on the budget for 2011/2012 and the review of all department budgets. The Education Act is on the agenda as well.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Class Size Debate on CNN
Check out this youtube video from a CNN piece on class size. Leonie Haimson, a New York City public school parent, debates the issue with Matthew Chingos, a research fellow from Harvard. While it is geared to the American experience, there are some takeaways for our parents.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Provincial Budget Due February 24
According to a Calgary Herald article, Premier Stelmach has announced that the Provincial Budget will be delivered on February 24. Typically, it takes about 3 to 4 days for adminstration to crunch the numbers and come back with what the budget will mean for the Calgary Board of Education's bottom line.
With Tripartite discussions ended, we know that teachers' will be getting the AAWE linked salary increase that was part of their five year agreement with the province. The increase is currently predicted to be 4.3% but according to the Government of Alberta Finance and Enterprise's Weekly Economic Review dated January 28, this number could be on the rise. Another Calgary Herald article, quotes Treasury Board president, Lloyd Snelgrove, stating education will be protected.
With Tripartite discussions ended, we know that teachers' will be getting the AAWE linked salary increase that was part of their five year agreement with the province. The increase is currently predicted to be 4.3% but according to the Government of Alberta Finance and Enterprise's Weekly Economic Review dated January 28, this number could be on the rise. Another Calgary Herald article, quotes Treasury Board president, Lloyd Snelgrove, stating education will be protected.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
