The Alberta Government has released the 2012 Budget.
What's in the budget for K-12 students?
■$34 million invested every school day in K-12 students.
■School boards to receive grant rate increases of 1%, 2% and 2% for base instruction and class size grants over the next three years to address enrolment and other cost pressures. Other grants increasing 2% each year.
■14 new schools opening their doors to more than 10,000 students this year.
■45 new schools and 31 major renovation projects in planning or construction.
■$1 billion invested in school infrastructure over the next three years.
You can also glean more information from the Alberta Government news release, From kindergarten to post secondary, Alberta's education systems receive predictable funding.
For greater detail, check out the Education Business Plan 2012 - 2015 and the 2012/2013 Government Estimates - Education.
The Calgary Board of Education in a media advisory released today, shared that Administration will be carefully analyzing the provincial budget and will prepare a report for the Trustees to be presented at their regular public meeting on February 21.
Alberta School Boards' Association press release regarding the budget.
The Alberta Teachers' Association responded to the budget with "Shell Game Budget Disappoints Teachers." The article states that the Alberta Government is projecting a 2.5% increase in inflation for the coming year but is only increasing the base instruction grant by 1% for the corresponding time period - which means boards could once again be cutting staff and/or programs.
Showing posts with label Board of Trustees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Board of Trustees. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
CBE Board of Trustees responds to Education Minister's 10-point plan
The Board of Trustees have released a response to the Education Minister's 10-point plan. The text of the media advisory follows:
Calgary Board of Education welcomes the provincial 10-point plan
CALGARY – The Board of Trustees for the Calgary Board of Education welcomes the 10-point plan for Alberta’s education system announced today by Minister of Education Thomas Lukaszuk.
“Minister Lukaszuk is fulfilling his promise to advance education in Alberta,” says Pat Cochrane, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The CBE has been involved in a process that invited every Albertan to contribute to the vision for education. We are excited that listening is turning into action so quickly.”
The plan follows a province-wide consultation process. The initiatives, which the Minister indicated will roll out in the coming months, include “philosophical approaches that are best addressed in legislation and practical solutions to the challenges students face every day.”
The 10-point plan involves many areas of education including school design; transportation; preparing students for learning after high school; learning for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students; transparency; and the voice of parents.
“We have been looking forward to the Minister’s plan and to the legislation that will follow.” Cochrane added, “As the largest school district in Alberta, we appreciate having a Minister who understands that initiatives have many possible implications so predictable, sustainable funding is crucial for our students.”
Calgary Board of Education welcomes the provincial 10-point plan
CALGARY – The Board of Trustees for the Calgary Board of Education welcomes the 10-point plan for Alberta’s education system announced today by Minister of Education Thomas Lukaszuk.
“Minister Lukaszuk is fulfilling his promise to advance education in Alberta,” says Pat Cochrane, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The CBE has been involved in a process that invited every Albertan to contribute to the vision for education. We are excited that listening is turning into action so quickly.”
The plan follows a province-wide consultation process. The initiatives, which the Minister indicated will roll out in the coming months, include “philosophical approaches that are best addressed in legislation and practical solutions to the challenges students face every day.”
The 10-point plan involves many areas of education including school design; transportation; preparing students for learning after high school; learning for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students; transparency; and the voice of parents.
“We have been looking forward to the Minister’s plan and to the legislation that will follow.” Cochrane added, “As the largest school district in Alberta, we appreciate having a Minister who understands that initiatives have many possible implications so predictable, sustainable funding is crucial for our students.”
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
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
Monday, June 13, 2011
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
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
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Trustee Pecuniary Interest Question Raised in the Legislature
In Wednesday's afternoon sitting of the Legislature, Alberta Hansard reports the following exchange regarding a question about trustees and pecuniary interest:
Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think there is any doubt that parents have the greatest stake in the success of their children. That’s why it was a little bit of a head-scratcher last week when Calgarians learned that parents who serve as trustees for the Calgary board of education are not permitted to participate in that school board’s budget debate. Considering that budgeting is a significant part of a school board’s work, can the Minister of Education please explain this decision?
Mr. Hancock: Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, I don’t think it’s fair to say that parents who are trustees are not permitted to participate. Every individual, whether in an elected position, whether in this House or a on school board or at a municipal council, has to make a decision as to whether or not they are in a conflict of interest. I think the rules are pretty clear on conflict of interest, that it’s a direct pecuniary interest, and if you have a direct pecuniary interest, you should withdraw from the discussion and the vote. However, boards should be able to arrange their affairs so that’s not on broad issues like a budget but on very narrow issues relative . . .
2:40
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s quite well known that the CBE has obtained a rather lengthy legal opinion on the subject that seems, on face value at least, to bind the trustees’ hands. Is the minister prepared to do anything about this? What are these trustees exactly supposed to do under these circumstances?
Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, I’m not privy to a 13-page legal opinion. I’d be surprised if that legal opinion suggested that a trustee who was also a parent could not participate in budget discussions. Again, if it’s a direct pecuniary interest, that interest has to be declared and the individual withdraw, but they can organize their affairs and the agenda of a board meeting to ensure that parents or any other person who has a direct pecuniary interest in a subject that comes before the board can participate in the broad discussion of issues and just withdraw from the narrow issues . . .
The Speaker: The hon. member, please.
Mr. Rodney: I’ve had a number of conversations with the trustee in question, and I’m sure that she wasn’t expecting pecuniary interest to be in her vocabulary at this point. But considering all of that and the answers to the two previous questions, is this minister contemplating changes to the School Act to address the issue and put it to rest for good?
Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, we anticipate introducing the new Education Act later on today, but I can say this. The rules with respect to conflict of interest are pretty clear in the act, but if there’s further discussion – and this bill will be available for further discussion – and there are things that need to be clarified, that could be contemplated and done when the bill goes through the House.
Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think there is any doubt that parents have the greatest stake in the success of their children. That’s why it was a little bit of a head-scratcher last week when Calgarians learned that parents who serve as trustees for the Calgary board of education are not permitted to participate in that school board’s budget debate. Considering that budgeting is a significant part of a school board’s work, can the Minister of Education please explain this decision?
Mr. Hancock: Well, first of all, Mr. Speaker, I don’t think it’s fair to say that parents who are trustees are not permitted to participate. Every individual, whether in an elected position, whether in this House or a on school board or at a municipal council, has to make a decision as to whether or not they are in a conflict of interest. I think the rules are pretty clear on conflict of interest, that it’s a direct pecuniary interest, and if you have a direct pecuniary interest, you should withdraw from the discussion and the vote. However, boards should be able to arrange their affairs so that’s not on broad issues like a budget but on very narrow issues relative . . .
2:40
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. Rodney: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s quite well known that the CBE has obtained a rather lengthy legal opinion on the subject that seems, on face value at least, to bind the trustees’ hands. Is the minister prepared to do anything about this? What are these trustees exactly supposed to do under these circumstances?
Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, I’m not privy to a 13-page legal opinion. I’d be surprised if that legal opinion suggested that a trustee who was also a parent could not participate in budget discussions. Again, if it’s a direct pecuniary interest, that interest has to be declared and the individual withdraw, but they can organize their affairs and the agenda of a board meeting to ensure that parents or any other person who has a direct pecuniary interest in a subject that comes before the board can participate in the broad discussion of issues and just withdraw from the narrow issues . . .
The Speaker: The hon. member, please.
Mr. Rodney: I’ve had a number of conversations with the trustee in question, and I’m sure that she wasn’t expecting pecuniary interest to be in her vocabulary at this point. But considering all of that and the answers to the two previous questions, is this minister contemplating changes to the School Act to address the issue and put it to rest for good?
Mr. Hancock: Well, Mr. Speaker, we anticipate introducing the new Education Act later on today, but I can say this. The rules with respect to conflict of interest are pretty clear in the act, but if there’s further discussion – and this bill will be available for further discussion – and there are things that need to be clarified, that could be contemplated and done when the bill goes through the House.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
April 19th CBE Trustees Board Meeting
We have had some inquiries from our members regarding the April 19th, CBE budget/board meeting. Leslie and I both attended the meeting and will provide an update for you in the next newsletter. We have also submitted letters to Chair Cochrane and Trustees Bazinet and Taylor hoping to provide some clarification around pecuniary issues. We have asked for clarification on what Trustee’s are advised as to what a ‘pecuniary conflict of interest’ is and what guidelines (policy and/or legal) they are provided with to inform themselves as to when this may arise in their public work. We have asked for clarification as to why Trustee Taylor's request for pecuniary interest clarification was not added to the agenda.
We have expressed our concerns to hear Trustee’s claim that they were provided specific legal advice from CBE lawyers that having a child attend a CBE school or having a spouse who works for the CBE precluded them from engaging in ANY of the budget discussion. This is especially puzzling given we are aware that Trustees with a spouse working for the CBE or having a child in a CBE school have engaged in past budget debates and votes.
We will share the responses as soon as they become available. Eryn Kelly
Co-President of CAPSC
Monday, April 25, 2011
CBE News Release Regarding Pecuniary Interest
As you may be aware, at the last public meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, April 20, two trustees declared a pecuniary interest related to items on the agenda and recused themselves from debate and the vote. Trustee Bazinet, who is married to a teacher, declared her pecuniary interest in regard to Topic 6.3 Resource Allocation to Schools - Early Spring Staffing (2011-12 Operating Budget). Trustee Taylor, who is the parent of an elementary aged student, declared her pecuniary interest in regards to both Topic 6.3 Resource Allocation to Schools - Early Spring Staffing (2011-12 Operating Budget) and Topic 9.2.1 2011/2012 Student Fees. Confusion around this issue arose, and the board has posted a press release on its cite to add clarity:
STATEMENT REGARDING PECUNIARY INTEREST
Following the public meeting of the Calgary Board of Education’s Board of Trustees on April 19, there have been questions about “pecuniary” conflict of interest and the legal implications for individual trustees. Sections 80 to 86 of the Alberta School Act deal directly with conflict of interest.
The decision to declare a conflict of interest falls to individual trustees. It is a personal decision and a personal declaration related to specific matters before a board. No one else can make that declaration for a trustee. The individual responsibility of trustees related to such conflicts of interest is explicit in Section 83(1) of the School Act:
Disclosure of pecuniary interest
83(1) When a trustee has a pecuniary interest in a matter before the board, any committee of the board or any commission, committee or agency to which the trustee is appointed as a representative of the board, the trustee shall, if present,
(a) disclose the general nature of the pecuniary interest prior to any discussion of the matter,
(b) abstain from voting on any question relating to the matter,
(c) subject to subsection (3), abstain from discussing the matter, and
(d) subject to subsections (2) and (3), leave the room in which the meeting is being held until the discussion and voting on the matter are concluded.
Given the personal nature and potential implications related to conflict of interest, individual trustees always have the option to engage personal, legal counsel, in addition to the legal orientation provided to all Trustees when they are elected to the Board.
If a trustee alerts the Board Chair to the existence of a conflict ahead of time, there are options to present matters that enable trustees to participate in decision-making.
Pecuniary interest refers to monetary conflict of interest. A pecuniary interest is said to exist where an individual trustee is involved in decisions that would have a positive or negative financial impact on the personal circumstances of the trustee and his or her spouse/partner.
-30-
For more information please call:
Cathy Ward
Media Relations
Calgary Board of Education
Cell 403-819-2317
mediarelations@cbe.ab.ca
STATEMENT REGARDING PECUNIARY INTEREST
Following the public meeting of the Calgary Board of Education’s Board of Trustees on April 19, there have been questions about “pecuniary” conflict of interest and the legal implications for individual trustees. Sections 80 to 86 of the Alberta School Act deal directly with conflict of interest.
The decision to declare a conflict of interest falls to individual trustees. It is a personal decision and a personal declaration related to specific matters before a board. No one else can make that declaration for a trustee. The individual responsibility of trustees related to such conflicts of interest is explicit in Section 83(1) of the School Act:
Disclosure of pecuniary interest
83(1) When a trustee has a pecuniary interest in a matter before the board, any committee of the board or any commission, committee or agency to which the trustee is appointed as a representative of the board, the trustee shall, if present,
(a) disclose the general nature of the pecuniary interest prior to any discussion of the matter,
(b) abstain from voting on any question relating to the matter,
(c) subject to subsection (3), abstain from discussing the matter, and
(d) subject to subsections (2) and (3), leave the room in which the meeting is being held until the discussion and voting on the matter are concluded.
Given the personal nature and potential implications related to conflict of interest, individual trustees always have the option to engage personal, legal counsel, in addition to the legal orientation provided to all Trustees when they are elected to the Board.
If a trustee alerts the Board Chair to the existence of a conflict ahead of time, there are options to present matters that enable trustees to participate in decision-making.
Pecuniary interest refers to monetary conflict of interest. A pecuniary interest is said to exist where an individual trustee is involved in decisions that would have a positive or negative financial impact on the personal circumstances of the trustee and his or her spouse/partner.
-30-
For more information please call:
Cathy Ward
Media Relations
Calgary Board of Education
Cell 403-819-2317
mediarelations@cbe.ab.ca
Friday, April 1, 2011
CBE Administration
During all the discussions and media coverage surrounding the provincial budget impacts on the Calgary Board of Education, CAPSC has had a few inquiries from parents asking for clarification around just what administration is and what is included as an administrative cost. We decided to send an inquiry to the government through Alberta Connects to get a definitive answer and their response appears below.
Alberta Education defines board governance and system administration as activities performed for the purpose of regulation and direction of the affairs of the school board. It includes costs related to the Boards of Trustees, Superintendents, Secretary-Treasurers and their staff. Examples of costs that may be included are: salaries, supplies, travel, member fees, school board elections, financial accounting, legal services, human resources and insurance related to central office. In general, boards use their discretion to determine the appropriate amount to allot for central office and system administration based on their local circumstances. Nonetheless, Education provides a standard recommendation that boards allot between four and six per cent of total expenditures for system administration, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.
We also confirmed this information with the CBE and yes, as Alberta Education had indicated, the Board of Trustees and Superintendents are included within their approximate 3.7% of total expenditures for system administration - including the lease of the new Education Centre. However, this number will likely change as administration positions are included in the phase 1 position cuts as outlined in the CBE Response to the Provincial Budget.
Alberta Education defines board governance and system administration as activities performed for the purpose of regulation and direction of the affairs of the school board. It includes costs related to the Boards of Trustees, Superintendents, Secretary-Treasurers and their staff. Examples of costs that may be included are: salaries, supplies, travel, member fees, school board elections, financial accounting, legal services, human resources and insurance related to central office. In general, boards use their discretion to determine the appropriate amount to allot for central office and system administration based on their local circumstances. Nonetheless, Education provides a standard recommendation that boards allot between four and six per cent of total expenditures for system administration, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.
We also confirmed this information with the CBE and yes, as Alberta Education had indicated, the Board of Trustees and Superintendents are included within their approximate 3.7% of total expenditures for system administration - including the lease of the new Education Centre. However, this number will likely change as administration positions are included in the phase 1 position cuts as outlined in the CBE Response to the Provincial Budget.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Our New Board of Trustees
CAPSC welcomes the new Board of Trustees!
Wards 1 & 2: Joy Bowen-Eyre
Wards 3 & 4: Lynn Ferguson
Wards 5 & 10: Pamela King
Wards 6 & 7: George Lane
Wards 8 & 9: Pat Cochrane
Wards 11 & 13: Sheila Taylor
Wards 12 & 14: Carol Bazinet
The trustees will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 26 at 3 pm followed at 5 pm by the organizational meeting. At that point, the board will have a new chair and CAPSC will have a new trustee liaison.
Around the province...
The Education Minister, Dave Hancock, blogged about "The Informed Transformation of Trusteeship." The Public School Boards Association of Alberta weighed in as well with their posting, "Big Opportunities Await School Boards Post-Election."
Wards 1 & 2: Joy Bowen-Eyre
Wards 3 & 4: Lynn Ferguson
Wards 5 & 10: Pamela King
Wards 6 & 7: George Lane
Wards 8 & 9: Pat Cochrane
Wards 11 & 13: Sheila Taylor
Wards 12 & 14: Carol Bazinet
The trustees will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 26 at 3 pm followed at 5 pm by the organizational meeting. At that point, the board will have a new chair and CAPSC will have a new trustee liaison.
Around the province...
The Education Minister, Dave Hancock, blogged about "The Informed Transformation of Trusteeship." The Public School Boards Association of Alberta weighed in as well with their posting, "Big Opportunities Await School Boards Post-Election."
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