Teachers hoping schools get funding boost in Thursay’s provincial budget

Alberta taxpayers will soon find out how the government plans to spend their money, and those working in public education are hoping for a bigger investment. 

“My hope is that they will do that, but I’m prepared to be disappointed,” said Jason Schilling, the president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association says the education budget would need to be boosted by over $1.5 billion to bring Alberta’s funding up to the Canadian average.

But Thursday’s budget comes with a number of global challenges for Alberta’s finance minister as he tries to navigate through the threat of tariffs from the U.S. and global uncertainty in the market while forecasting a ‘fiscally responsible plan’ that meets the challenges Alberta is facing.

“We’re looking at what the government can withstand when it comes to our revenue, we’re very cognizant of what it could mean for everyday Albertans,” Minister Nate Horner explained.

Alberta previously announced a plan to fast-track track construction of 11 new schools, at a taxpayer cost of $8.6 billion dollars.

READ MORE: Alberta government to fast-track construction of 11 new schools

The education minister dealing with another issue, the ongoing educational support staff strikes and calls for an increase in provincial funding and the court order for schools to bring students with special needs back into classrooms.

“We‘ve made changes to be compliant with the judge’s direction,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s education minister.

RELATED: Education minister directs schools to provide in-person classes during strike

The province is directing school boards to come up with a plan that will bring back in-person learning for students with disabilities. It’s unclear if that means disruptions for other families.

Edmonton Public Schools is among the Divisions expected to present their plan sometime in the coming days, telling CityNews it will share more information with parents after making new adjustments.

Educational support staff will rally outside the legislature, similar to how they started the labour negotiations back in October. However, this time, they will be joined by teachers who are in town for a convention.