CLEARVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Clearview Public Schools Calls for Stable Funding to Protect Rural Small Schools

The Clearview Public Schools Board of Trustees has written to Alberta's Minister of Education and Childcare, calling for changes to the Rural Small Schools Grant to protect the long-term sustainability of small rural schools. The letter follows a question raised by Trustee Schofer at the November 17 Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Fall General Meeting, where he highlighted how current funding thresholds impact the viability of rural schools and their communities.

Under the current Rural Small Schools Grant, schools with fewer than 35 students receive significantly lower funding than schools with 35 to 55 students, as outlined in the Government of Alberta Funding Manual for School Authorities 2025/26. For Clearview, when enrolment at a small rural school falls below 35 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, it can result in a funding reduction of close to 45%, even though the average annual cost of operating a rural school remains high. This means that even a small change in student numbers can significantly affect a school's financial viability.

Board Chair Guy Neitz noted that the effects of sudden funding loss extend beyond the classroom. Rural schools often serve as community hubs for children, families, and local organizations. When a school's viability is put at risk, it can have lasting impacts on community vitality, student well-being, and transportation times and costs for families and the division.

In its letter, the Board asks Alberta Education and Childcare to explore adjustments to the Rural Small Schools Grant to provide greater funding stability for schools below the 35-student threshold, particularly those with small or fluctuating enrolments. The goal is to ensure that students in rural Alberta can continue to access strong, equitable programming close to home, while allowing school divisions to plan for the long term without facing sudden, disproportionate funding reductions.

The Board has invited the Minister or ministry staff to meet with Clearview to discuss possible approaches and next steps.