Alberta government to invest $143 million to tackle classroom complexities

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 13, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

In the aftermath of a record-breaking teacher strike in October, the provincial government is investing in new teams to address classroom complexities.

Thursday’s announcement follows the completion of a needs assessment survey that analyzed 89,000 classrooms in 1,500 schools across the province.

The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee was formed in November, and includes representation from the Alberta Teachers Association. Over the past three months, the committee has collected a comprehensive set of class size and complexity data.

In a press conference, Premier Danielle Smith says the data is being used to pinpoint where resources need to be injected most urgently.

The province is investing $143 million to support the creation of up to 476 “complexity teams” made up of one teacher and two educational assistants that will be deployed to high complexity classrooms for students kindergarten through grade six.

“This data tells us that class sizes are significantly higher in some areas than others, with the provincial average of about 25 students,” said Smith.

“It also shows that complexity is widespread in Alberta’s school system. The numbers tell us that pressure in schools is coming from the combined impact of these two factors, but rising complexity and behavioural incidents are pulling the greatest pressure on classrooms.”

The team will require nearly 1,500 new staff. Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides told reporters Thursday the hiring processes and decisions are made by school authorities.

Although 665 schools across Alberta were identified as having high-priority classrooms according to a report released Thursday, only 476 classrooms will receive support in this round of funding.

Nicolaides says the province will be conducting further surveys and consulting teachers to monitor the success of the complexity team initiative.

Both Smith and Nicolaides responded to questions about ongoing separatist debate in the province. Both told reporters that they have not signed any petition.

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