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