If the current rate of population continues to grow at the rate it is right now, by next year Alberta will have a population of 5 million.
Fast population growth means more new students for the Alberta education system. To keep up with the growth, the Alberta Government will provide $1.2 billion in funding to hire around 3,100 new teachers and staff.
“Our schools are seeing annual student population growth of 3 to 5 per cent combined with increasing complexities in classrooms.” -Fiona Gilbert, board chair, Rocky View Schools
The budget will also provide over $1.5 billion to schools over the next 3 years so they can continue to offer specialized learning supports to fit each students specific learning needs.
“This funding will help address the unprecedented growth many school divisions are facing and provide much needed resources to address complex learning needs.’ -Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA)
