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 Calgary Board of Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Calgary Board of Education. Show all posts
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Calgary Board of Education Parent Meeting
Mark your calendars!
Meet with your Trustee
Date: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: Multipurpose Room, Education Centre, 1221 – 8 Street S.W.
Parking: free underground parking available
Meet with your Trustee
Date: Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Place: Multipurpose Room, Education Centre, 1221 – 8 Street S.W.
Parking: free underground parking available
Monday, December 5, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, October 14, 2011
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.
Friday, August 26, 2011
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.
Monday, June 13, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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.
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.
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."
Friday, January 21, 2011
CBE Response to the Education Act 2011 Framework
By popular demand, here is the link to the Calgary Board of Education Perspective on the Education Act 2011 Proposed Framework. Once on the link, if you have a bookmark, just click on the direct link - or scroll down towards the end of the trustee board package (agenda/reports).
Of interest, as well, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) has an interesting link to an article on the subject of appointing trustees as it relates to the framework.
Of interest, as well, the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) has an interesting link to an article on the subject of appointing trustees as it relates to the framework.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Join us for CBE's 1-2-5 Run and Walk
The Calgary Board of Education is celebrating its 125th birthday this year! In honour of providing a century and a quarter of quality public education in our city, CBE will be hosting a 1-2-5 Run and Walk on Saturday, November 13th at Eau Claire Market. Come out and join CBE staff, CAPSC executive, and many community members as we enjoy the fresh air and celebrate the CBE.
The event is a free, fun event for everyone in the community. Participants can either walk or run 1, 2 or 5 km on the pathway west of Eau Claire Market. Registration for participants is inside the market, where it's warm and dry. There is plenty of parking in the Market's main parking lot.
Information for the event is available online at www.cbe.ab/125run. The first 500 registrants and all voluteers will receive a free 125th anniversary commemorative toque and there will be lots of fun and prizes at the event.
We hope to see you there!
The event is a free, fun event for everyone in the community. Participants can either walk or run 1, 2 or 5 km on the pathway west of Eau Claire Market. Registration for participants is inside the market, where it's warm and dry. There is plenty of parking in the Market's main parking lot.
Information for the event is available online at www.cbe.ab/125run. The first 500 registrants and all voluteers will receive a free 125th anniversary commemorative toque and there will be lots of fun and prizes at the event.
We hope to see you there!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Importance of the Trustee Elections
On behalf of CAPSC Executive, I submitted the following as a letter to the editor at the Herald:
Trustee Elections
This civic election will be part of a critical turning point for the new CBE board of trustees.
Our educational system is experiencing transformational change. At the provincial level, the Education Minister is opening up the School Act. Locally, the Calgary Board of Education, with a budget of just over $1B, makes decisions that impact over 100,000 students, 9,000 employees, the local community and economy. All of this is taking place in challenging economic times.
At a recent meeting of our membership, outgoing Trustee Gordon Dirks spoke directly to the heart of the matter. “The word ‘trustee’ focuses on trust – we are holding in trust the education of children, the resources that will help educate those children, the importance of public education as a vehicle to serve the wider interests of the community at large. It is an important and pivotal role.”
We need to learn more about the candidates we choose to support. CAPSC is working hard to facilitate engagement and to make information readily available. We are non-partisan and do not endorse candidates. Attend any one of our forums or check out candidates on their websites, Facebook, and Twitter. If you have the time, send them an email or better yet give them a call. Before you cast a vote, find out their values, their vision for public education and their understanding of the issues. Our kids and the public school system deserve nothing less.
Leslie Newton, Co-President
Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils
http://www.capsc.ca/
Trustee Elections
This civic election will be part of a critical turning point for the new CBE board of trustees.
Our educational system is experiencing transformational change. At the provincial level, the Education Minister is opening up the School Act. Locally, the Calgary Board of Education, with a budget of just over $1B, makes decisions that impact over 100,000 students, 9,000 employees, the local community and economy. All of this is taking place in challenging economic times.
At a recent meeting of our membership, outgoing Trustee Gordon Dirks spoke directly to the heart of the matter. “The word ‘trustee’ focuses on trust – we are holding in trust the education of children, the resources that will help educate those children, the importance of public education as a vehicle to serve the wider interests of the community at large. It is an important and pivotal role.”
We need to learn more about the candidates we choose to support. CAPSC is working hard to facilitate engagement and to make information readily available. We are non-partisan and do not endorse candidates. Attend any one of our forums or check out candidates on their websites, Facebook, and Twitter. If you have the time, send them an email or better yet give them a call. Before you cast a vote, find out their values, their vision for public education and their understanding of the issues. Our kids and the public school system deserve nothing less.
Leslie Newton, Co-President
Calgary Association of Parents and School Councils
http://www.capsc.ca/
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