Why all the fuss about school funding lately? Why do we care if charter and private schools enter the mix of public education? The reason is simple: they are not public education.
In Alberta, public schools include Catholic, francophone and public schools. This is directed by Alberta legislation from 1905 that protects the rights of minorities in Canada.
Public schools must provide education to all students. In contrast, private schools select students based on tuition affordability and other criteria like a student’s ability. For instance, students with behavioural or learning disabilities might be excluded from a private school. Further, the average tuition cost in Alberta private schools is around $16,000 per year, putting this option out of reach for many families. Despite this, private schools in Alberta receive 70 per cent of the per-student funding that public schools receive from government coffers. This is the highest private school funding rate in Canada, with many provinces not funding private schools with public dollars at all.
There is only one pot of money for schools in Alberta. When money is diverted to private and charter schools, it leaves public schools in a funding shortfall.
Charter schools do not charge tuition, but, like private schools, they can select students based on specific criteria. Charter schools in Alberta also receive public funding, though they are not supported with public money in any other province in Canada. Doubling down, the Alberta government recently announced a $43 million charter school build, frustrating parents whose children are in overcrowded public schools with overworked teachers. The government noticed the space crunch and the need for new school builds. Great! So, why fund a charter school that will only meet the needs of a select few?
There is only one pot of money for schools in Alberta. When money is diverted to private and charter schools, it leaves public schools in a funding shortfall. Albertans did not ask for the government to fund schools that can pick and choose their students. Rather, parents want the public system to get the adequate funding required to meet the needs of all students. Public schools need teachers, buildings and supports to ensure the best outcomes for the 93 per cent of Alberta’s students that attend our public schools.
When you walk into a public school in Alberta, you see a cross-section of the community’s population. Your public school represents your community and reflects the values of the community. It doesn’t matter what your background is, you can succeed.
Every student deserves to reach their dreams — our current system of public schools still makes this a reality because of the tireless efforts of the teachers, school leaders and others who lift them up.
Every child deserves a place to learn and grow. They don’t deserve for their schools to be overstuffed and understaffed while the government provides public money to private and charter schools that won’t take all students. It just makes no sense.
ATA News, Editor-in-Chief
