Lethbridge School Division has consistently advocated for a new funding formula for school divisions across the province, one that would replace the Weighted Moving Average.
In Budget 2025, Alberta Education has announced funding will be provided based on a two-year average adjusted enrolment method. This method weighs current enrolment at 30 per cent and next year's enrolment at 70 per cent.
This change is a step in the right direction, according to Board Chair Christine Light, who added the Board has advocated for every student in the system to be fully funded each year.
"It is concerning the base grant, which accounts for 55 per cent of the Division's funding, will not see a grant rate increase," said Light. "This is particularly concerning due to inflationary pressures on all costs to provide educational services and support to our students."
The budget does, however, provide funding rate increases for learning support grants of 2.32 per cent and increased funding for classroom complexity. These grants make up approximately 11 per cent of the Division's funding.
"We gladly welcome the increases in these grants, which are used to provide specialized learning support to our students," said Light.
According to Christine Lee the Division's Associate Superintendent, Business Affairs, Budget 2025 does provide a boost to the Division in a few areas.
"We are pleased to see the recognition of rising technology costs in this year's budget," said Lee, who welcomed the three per cent increase to the Operations and Maintenance grant, along with an increase of two per cent for Transportation. "These grant rate increases will put some extra funds into the system but overall, funding is still not keeping pace with the rising costs of providing services and maintaining facilities to support student learning."
Additionally, the Division is pleased to see investments in school infrastructure. Light highlighted that the Division has requested several capital projects, including the modernization of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and the construction of new schools, including a high school and elementary school in west Lethbridge.
"We are hopeful to receive funding that puts these vital projects on the path to construction," said Lee.
In mid-March, the Division will have more clarity on the impacts of the provincial budget, when the funding profile is released, which outlines the specific budgeted amounts the Division will receive from Alberta Education for the 2025/2026 school year.
March 6, 2025
