Monday, April 18, 2011
Education Budget to be Debated at Alberta Legislature
The Education Budget will be debated in the Legislature Tuesday, April 19 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. You can listen/watch to live/archived video or audio of this debate at Assembly Online. ACCESS TV also broadcasts the proceedings of the Alberta Legislature live beginning at 1:30 pm. These sessions are rebroadcast on Shaw at 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm.
Friday, April 15, 2011
More Education News from Around the Province
A quick sampling of newspaper articles related to Education and budget shortfalls from around the province:
The Beaumont News
The Vulcan Advocate
The Beaumont News
The Vulcan Advocate
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Support for Education: Members' Statements at the Alberta Legislature
An excerpt from Alberta Hansard dated Tuesday, April 12 (see pages 596 and 597):
Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The past two and a halfyears have seen the worst global economic slowdown since the Great Depression. Many parts of the world are still in bad shape and many Albertans are still un- or underemployed, yet by and large what was a major upset to most of the world has been com-paratively a hiccup here in Alberta. Indeed, our jobless rate is two points below the national average, and there’s serious talk about another labour shortage brewing here. That’s mostly because oil is $106 a barrel, and we’ve got more proven reserves than just about anybody.
It is good to be king. Well, Mr. Speaker, the thing about being king is that if you take more than a minute or two to sit back and gloat, somebody is going to come along, capture all your posses-sions, and leave you there in the dust. It’s only good to be king as long as you can stay ahead of the conquering hordes.
Since our fossil fuels or the demand for them will not last for-ever, and since oil continues to keep us living a lifestyle that would take 10 planet Earths to support if everybody on this planet lived the way we do, and since there seems to be broad consensus that to sustain ourselves, we need to transition from a resource economy to a knowledge economy, and since this government makes much of its five-year commitment to sustainable health funding, my constituents are wondering: why is there no talk of a similar five-year commitment to education, both K to 12 and postsecondary, including a much sharper focus on trades training, and while we’re at it, early childhood as well?
Over time, but not over that long a horizon, nothing will reduce the strain on health budgets like a better educated population.
Over time nothing will produce innovation and breakthroughs in science and technology, energy development, and environmental protection and nothing will produce more art and culture, stronger communities, a more diversified and more resilient economy, and a broader tax base like a better educated population. Then, Mr. Speaker, we wouldn’t have to rely on the roller coaster of resource revenues, and we could stop balancing our books on the backs of Alberta’s children.
Thank you.
Mr. Taylor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The past two and a halfyears have seen the worst global economic slowdown since the Great Depression. Many parts of the world are still in bad shape and many Albertans are still un- or underemployed, yet by and large what was a major upset to most of the world has been com-paratively a hiccup here in Alberta. Indeed, our jobless rate is two points below the national average, and there’s serious talk about another labour shortage brewing here. That’s mostly because oil is $106 a barrel, and we’ve got more proven reserves than just about anybody.
It is good to be king. Well, Mr. Speaker, the thing about being king is that if you take more than a minute or two to sit back and gloat, somebody is going to come along, capture all your posses-sions, and leave you there in the dust. It’s only good to be king as long as you can stay ahead of the conquering hordes.
Since our fossil fuels or the demand for them will not last for-ever, and since oil continues to keep us living a lifestyle that would take 10 planet Earths to support if everybody on this planet lived the way we do, and since there seems to be broad consensus that to sustain ourselves, we need to transition from a resource economy to a knowledge economy, and since this government makes much of its five-year commitment to sustainable health funding, my constituents are wondering: why is there no talk of a similar five-year commitment to education, both K to 12 and postsecondary, including a much sharper focus on trades training, and while we’re at it, early childhood as well?
Over time, but not over that long a horizon, nothing will reduce the strain on health budgets like a better educated population.
Over time nothing will produce innovation and breakthroughs in science and technology, energy development, and environmental protection and nothing will produce more art and culture, stronger communities, a more diversified and more resilient economy, and a broader tax base like a better educated population. Then, Mr. Speaker, we wouldn’t have to rely on the roller coaster of resource revenues, and we could stop balancing our books on the backs of Alberta’s children.
Thank you.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Funding for Education: Question Period at the Alberta Legislature
An excerpt from Hansard Alberta dated Monday, April 11 (see page 566 at the top of the second column):
Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, a couple of things. First of all, yes, there is an expected increase of student population of a hundred thousand students over the next 10 years, and, yes, we will be needing more teachers in this province. Secondly, I have met with the Premier, I’ve met with the President of the Treasury Board, and I’ll meet with every person on this side of the House and on the other side of the House if it will help to get resources for education. That’s my job, and I do it incessantly, and the President of the Treasury Board will tell you so. Nonetheless, we still have to put together a government budget, and I have to be part of that government budget, and we need to continue to look at the overall budget in the interest of all Albertans.
Need some tips for writing a letter to the members of the legislative assembly on Minister Hancock's list? Check out CAPSC: Advocacy Resource for Parents/School Councils.
Mr. Hancock: Mr. Speaker, a couple of things. First of all, yes, there is an expected increase of student population of a hundred thousand students over the next 10 years, and, yes, we will be needing more teachers in this province. Secondly, I have met with the Premier, I’ve met with the President of the Treasury Board, and I’ll meet with every person on this side of the House and on the other side of the House if it will help to get resources for education. That’s my job, and I do it incessantly, and the President of the Treasury Board will tell you so. Nonetheless, we still have to put together a government budget, and I have to be part of that government budget, and we need to continue to look at the overall budget in the interest of all Albertans.
Need some tips for writing a letter to the members of the legislative assembly on Minister Hancock's list? Check out CAPSC: Advocacy Resource for Parents/School Councils.
Monday, April 11, 2011
CAPSC Education Panel Discussion: Texts of CBE Presentations Now Available
The Calgary Board of Education has posted a copy of the text of each of the presentations made by Chair Pat Cochrane and Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson at our CAPSC Education Panel Discussion last week.
Highlights:
-CBE Budgeting process began in early January as their Finance Dept began forecast for 2011/2012
-Provincial Budget for 2011/2012 announced Feb 24
-CBE Finance analyzed detailed budget info from Alberta Education -result is $61.7m deficit
-Government provided funding to cover the AAWE (Alberta Average Weekly Earnings) increase at $28.3M,add an incremental increase in other revenue, almost completely offset by government cuts to specific and general programs at $25.3M, add in deficit from last year at $16.4 and forecast increase in costs of $50.3M, projected shortfall = $61.7M
-All students in all programs will be affected
-First step, admin looked at ways services delivered to schools, $24.9M cut from centrally-managed services which includes psychologists, learning leaders, learning specialists, CBE "administration" is also affected - one in five of the 172 positions cut comes from administration functions like Finance, Human Resources and Communications
-Reserves will be depleted
-Principals will receive their funding allocations on April 21 and will be consulting with their school communities on how their schools will be staffed for the fall
-Principals will report back centrally and more information around impacts will be available
-Full impact on school staffing will not be available until Sept 30 when enrolments are finalized
-Every effort to be clear and open but budget process must be respected, respect staff (some of whom will be losing their job) and principals as they have responsibility to meet needs of students within schools
-commitment to keep public informed as the process moves forward -visit CBE website for the most up to date information
-Without increased funding - sustainable, adequate funding - the CBE estimates accumulated deficit for 2012-13 will be $35M and a year later $85M
-commitment that despite challenging budget,CBE remains focused on educating students, educating each student, every day - no exceptions.
Highlights:
-CBE Budgeting process began in early January as their Finance Dept began forecast for 2011/2012
-Provincial Budget for 2011/2012 announced Feb 24
-CBE Finance analyzed detailed budget info from Alberta Education -result is $61.7m deficit
-Government provided funding to cover the AAWE (Alberta Average Weekly Earnings) increase at $28.3M,add an incremental increase in other revenue, almost completely offset by government cuts to specific and general programs at $25.3M, add in deficit from last year at $16.4 and forecast increase in costs of $50.3M, projected shortfall = $61.7M
-All students in all programs will be affected
-First step, admin looked at ways services delivered to schools, $24.9M cut from centrally-managed services which includes psychologists, learning leaders, learning specialists, CBE "administration" is also affected - one in five of the 172 positions cut comes from administration functions like Finance, Human Resources and Communications
-Reserves will be depleted
-Principals will receive their funding allocations on April 21 and will be consulting with their school communities on how their schools will be staffed for the fall
-Principals will report back centrally and more information around impacts will be available
-Full impact on school staffing will not be available until Sept 30 when enrolments are finalized
-Every effort to be clear and open but budget process must be respected, respect staff (some of whom will be losing their job) and principals as they have responsibility to meet needs of students within schools
-commitment to keep public informed as the process moves forward -visit CBE website for the most up to date information
-Without increased funding - sustainable, adequate funding - the CBE estimates accumulated deficit for 2012-13 will be $35M and a year later $85M
-commitment that despite challenging budget,CBE remains focused on educating students, educating each student, every day - no exceptions.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
CBE Board of Trustee Response to Education Minister's Letter to the Editor
In response to a recent opinion piece by the Editorial Board of the Calgary Herald, the Hon. Dave Hancock, Minister of Education, submitted a response to the newspaper, "Hancock: School board is frightening parents." The CBE has now responded to the Minister with its own letter which will go to print in the Calgary Herald on Sunday. The body of this letter follows:
Education is not a business. Education is the shared duty of communities to enable children to fulfill their potential and become leaders of tomorrow. The duty to educate our children does not vary with the economy. Indeed, tough economic times challenge us to sustain our commitment to students. The Minister of Education understands this. He stewarded a province-wide initiative to define a vision for education through to the year 2030. At the Calgary Board of Education, we have embraced the vision and wisdom of “Inspiring Education.” In the service of students, it guides our efforts and our energy. Since the provincial budget was announced, there has been significant dialogue about its impact. Everyone directly involved in public education appreciates the dialogue and the genuine support expressed, not for school boards, but for students. There is a risk that constructive dialogue may devolve into a debate about numbers. To set the record straight and return our focus to students, we offer these facts. First, CBE administration has consistently stated the provincial budget will create an estimated $61.7 million shortfall for the 2011-12 school year. Second, as a school board we have a fiscal and legal responsibility to balance the budget. To that end, the administration has redesigned central services to cut $24.9 million. To be clear, this work has been difficult and it will have a negative impact on students in classrooms. Cutting programs and, in this phase, 172 positions, is not trimming fat. We are cutting into the structure of core programs that benefit students. Third, school principals will consult with their communities to cut school budgets by a total of $24.8 million. This part of the 2011-12 budget process will begin April 21 and ultimately necessitate layoffs for teachers. Finally, some have suggested there could be relief from $34 million of CBE reserves. Technically, there was $34 million at the start of 2010-11 but $14.4 million of that covers a deficit from last year and $3.9 million cannot be applied to close the gap according to the provincial rules. The rest of the reserves are being used to help close the $61.7 million shortfall. The CBE’s financial projections are sound. Our shortfall is not unique. School boards across Alberta are dealing with shortfalls as a result of the provincial budget. Hopefully we can advance beyond a debate about numbers and get back to the reason we have public education: our students. Alberta has an opportunity to fulfill the education vision articulated by the Minister. We have an opportunity to enable our children to lead in the innovation economy of the future. What we need now is to fully and sustainably fund education for the long run. What students need immediately is for funding to be restored for the next school year. The question is not about numbers or whether we can afford to educate students in tough economic times. As a community, the paramount question is, “Can we afford not to educate students?” Respectfully, Pat Cochrane Chair, Board of Trustees Calgary Board of Education
Education is not a business. Education is the shared duty of communities to enable children to fulfill their potential and become leaders of tomorrow. The duty to educate our children does not vary with the economy. Indeed, tough economic times challenge us to sustain our commitment to students. The Minister of Education understands this. He stewarded a province-wide initiative to define a vision for education through to the year 2030. At the Calgary Board of Education, we have embraced the vision and wisdom of “Inspiring Education.” In the service of students, it guides our efforts and our energy. Since the provincial budget was announced, there has been significant dialogue about its impact. Everyone directly involved in public education appreciates the dialogue and the genuine support expressed, not for school boards, but for students. There is a risk that constructive dialogue may devolve into a debate about numbers. To set the record straight and return our focus to students, we offer these facts. First, CBE administration has consistently stated the provincial budget will create an estimated $61.7 million shortfall for the 2011-12 school year. Second, as a school board we have a fiscal and legal responsibility to balance the budget. To that end, the administration has redesigned central services to cut $24.9 million. To be clear, this work has been difficult and it will have a negative impact on students in classrooms. Cutting programs and, in this phase, 172 positions, is not trimming fat. We are cutting into the structure of core programs that benefit students. Third, school principals will consult with their communities to cut school budgets by a total of $24.8 million. This part of the 2011-12 budget process will begin April 21 and ultimately necessitate layoffs for teachers. Finally, some have suggested there could be relief from $34 million of CBE reserves. Technically, there was $34 million at the start of 2010-11 but $14.4 million of that covers a deficit from last year and $3.9 million cannot be applied to close the gap according to the provincial rules. The rest of the reserves are being used to help close the $61.7 million shortfall. The CBE’s financial projections are sound. Our shortfall is not unique. School boards across Alberta are dealing with shortfalls as a result of the provincial budget. Hopefully we can advance beyond a debate about numbers and get back to the reason we have public education: our students. Alberta has an opportunity to fulfill the education vision articulated by the Minister. We have an opportunity to enable our children to lead in the innovation economy of the future. What we need now is to fully and sustainably fund education for the long run. What students need immediately is for funding to be restored for the next school year. The question is not about numbers or whether we can afford to educate students in tough economic times. As a community, the paramount question is, “Can we afford not to educate students?” Respectfully, Pat Cochrane Chair, Board of Trustees Calgary Board of Education
Monday, April 4, 2011
Reminder: CAPSC to host Hon. Dave Hancock, Education Minister, April 6
CAPSC is very pleased to have the Hon. Dave Hancock, Minister of Education, attend our meeting here in Calgary on Wednesday, April 6. He will be joined by Naomi Johnson, CBE Chief Superintendent, and Pat Cochrane, Chair of the Board of Trustees. This will be a lively education panel discussion and we will be taking questions directly from the audience. The meeting will start at 5 pm in the gym at AE Cross School. RSVP: In order to help us plan for this meeting, we would appreciate if you would RSVP so that we can anticipate numbers of attendees. All are welcome - please RSVP at madeleine.baerg@capsc.ca.
Teresa Woo-Paw, MLA - Calgary Mackay, Hosts Community Dialogue on Education
Community Dialogue on Education Join us for a Community Dialogue with Minister of Education Hon. Dave Hancock. Wed., April 6, 2011 from 7–9 p.m. at Notre Dame High School (11900 Country Village Link NE, Calgary). We encourage you to contact us by phone at 403-274-1931, by e-mail at calgary.mackay@assembly.ab.ca, or by fax at 403-275-8421 in the language of your choice if you wish to supply questions or input in advance of April 6. You are also encouraged to contribute questions, ideas, concerns, and other comments at the session. A summary will be posted on this website.
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