The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) welcomes our students and staff back for the 2024-2025 school year. The CCSD also wants to share some important news regarding the allocation of the additional operational funding from the Government of Alberta, which comes at a crucial time as the district continues to experience significant enrolment growth and increased operational pressures.
Enrolment Growth
The CCSD has seen consistent growth in student enrolment over the past several years, reflecting a growing demand for quality Catholic education. Below is our recent and projected student enrolment:
- September 30, 2022: 58,881 students
- September 30, 2023: 61,596 students (an increase of 2,715 students, or approximately 4.6 per cent)
- September 30, 2024: Projected enrolment: 64,514 students (an increase of 2,918 students, or approximately 4.7 per cent).
Funding and Budget Plans
On May 22, 2024, the CCSD Board of Trustees approved the district's 2024-2025 operating budget, which included a deficit of $21.5 million. To help address higher-than-expected enrolment growth and cost pressures across the province, on July 23, 2024, the Minister of Education announced an additional $125 million in funding for Alberta school authorities for the 2024-2025 school year. As part of this funding, the CCSD will receive 7.8 per cent of the total amount. "We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for this additional funding, which will help us address some of our immediate needs rising from the rapid growth and ongoing pressures we face," says Dr. Bryan Szumlas, chief superintendent of the CCSD. The district proposed the following use of the additional funding, which supports the board priorities of Student Success and Well-Being, and was approved by the CCSD Board of Trustees at their August 28 special board meeting.
- Hire 50 contingency teachers
- Diverse learning and technology support: 2,000 additional education assistant hours, 12 diverse learning teachers, additional therapy support (occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists), a second district diverse learning teacher, ePD site enhancements, and additional technology for students and teachers.
Looking Ahead
While the implementation of this spending plan allows the district to address some immediate needs, the CCSD remains in a deficit position with the originally budgeted $21.5 million deficit and projected savings of $10.6 million (excluding school generated funds). It is clear that additional sustainable funding solutions are required to support the long-term needs of our growing student population. "We appreciate the support from the Government of Alberta, but it is essential to recognize that more sustainable funding is needed to fully address our financial challenges and ensure the long-term success and well-being of our students," says Shannon Cook, CCSD board chair.
