Teachers association critical of provincial spending on charter school
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 17, 2024.
news@medicinehatnews.com Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Foundation, says “it is deeply concerning” how the UCP is spending tax dollars on Holy Trinity Academy, a new charter school in north Calgary. In the association’s second release issued since students returned to class this year, Schilling says the province is spending $43 million for a new school that will cater to the learning needs of up to 1,000 students. However, Calgary’s newest public high school, North Trail High School, has already reached its capacity with more than 2,100 students. “The ATA acknowledges that Alberta’s government is supporting new school builds,” says Schilling. “But when will public schools see the funding necessary to meet the needs of this boom in enrolment growth?” Schilling also cited a press release from the association issued Sept. 3 highlighting an awareness campaign that ranks Alberta in the lowest among provinces in per student operating expenses in the 2020/21 school year. “Our public education system is struggling to accommodate the significant student growth in Alberta, yet it remains the lowest funded per student in Canada.” In Alberta public charter schools are autonomous non-profit schools that follow the province’s curriculum while potentially using unique learning styles that include teaching style, approaches, philosophies and vocation-based education. Charter schools typically collaborate with post-secondary institutions, and school divisions “have the potential to improve the education system as a whole and enhance education research and innovation,” according to the province. There are 19 full construction funding school projects included in the UCP’s budget, including the new Holy Trinity Academy that will begin construction in 2025. The budget has also approved funding for the design process of 16 new school projects, including the modernization of Galbrath School in Lethbridge, and planning funding for eight school projects. 12-11
The teachers’ association has voiced strong criticism regarding provincial spending on charter schools, arguing that the allocation of funds could negatively impact public education. They believe that this shift in resources may lead to disparities in education quality, as public schools already face budget constraints. The debate raises concerns about long-term implications for students and the education system as a whole. For those interested in forming well-structured critiques, learning https://papersowl.com/blog/how-to-structure-a-book-review can help refine analytical skills, ensuring well-reasoned arguments in any discussion.