The Calgary Board of Education's Board of Trustees approved the 2024-27 Education Plan (year two of three) and the 2025-26 operating budget at its regular public board meeting on Tuesday, May 27.
The Education Plan sets out areas of focus over a three-year period based on the Board priorities of student achievement, equity and well-being, while the budget aligns operations with the funding received from Alberta Education.
"Approving the Education Plan and the Budget is about setting clear priorities and allocating resources in alignment with these priorities," said Patricia Bolger, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "Together, they reflect our commitment to thoughtful planning, sound financial stewardship and a strong public education system for all students."
2024-27 Education Plan
Moving into the second year, the Education Plan remains focused on its key priorities and will build on the solid foundation created in 2024-25. This three-year plan was shaped through extensive engagement in early 2024 with more than 9,000 participants, including students, families, staff and community members.
The plan is designed to provide security and stability in the face of increasing student complexity and continued enrolment growth. Adjustments to the plan were based on student results, Alberta Education requirements, and ongoing feedback from students, staff, and the community.
In addition, every school development plan was reviewed to ensure each school's individual goals align with the goals in the Education Plan.
Key priorities in the 2024-27 Education Plan include:
- Learning Excellence: In year two of the plan, the focus continues to be on strong academic achievement in literacy and mathematics, alongside equipping students with the skills necessary for lifelong learning success and beyond.
- Well-Being: There's a stronger emphasis on the explicit instruction of Social Emotional Learning Competencies. This provides the foundation upon which students build resilience, focus, emotional regulation, and meaningful connections.
- Truth and Reconciliation, Diversity and Inclusion: This year brings a deeper focus on teaching practices that reflect and respect diverse cultures and identities in every classroom.
The Education Plan works together with the budget to support identified priorities that have the greatest impact on student achievement over time while optimizing available resources.
2025-26 Budget Approved
At the May 27 public board meeting, the Board of Trustees also approved the $1.67 billion budget for the 2025-26 school year.
Overall provincial funding for CBE has increased by $55 million over last year. The organization continues to be impacted by increasing enrolment, growing student complexity and the cumulative impact of inflation and finite learning spaces. For example:
More than 44,000 students are learning English as an additional language.
About 26,000 students have specialized learning needs.
Almost three quarters of CBE schools are at or above full utilization according to Alberta Education's criteria, and more than 30 schools are overflowing students to schools that have space.
"As always, the budget is focused on supporting student success," said Bolger. "Given that provincial funding is not keeping pace with growing enrolment, inflation and rising student complexity, CBE will be challenged next year to maintain a similar level of supports and services. We continue to prioritize programs and services that support the needs of students while being prudent stewards of public dollars."
