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."