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Lukaszuk nixes idea of cutting private school funding
The legislative assembly reconvened for its fall sitting November 21, 2011, with education funding, the Education Act consultation, provincial achievement tests and other education issues receiving a fair amount of attention. Featured here are highlights of some of the proceedings that took place
November 21–24.
Additional Funding for School Boards
November 23—Richard Marz (PC—Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills) asked Minister of Education Thomas Lukaszuk how many teachers had been laid off prior to restoration of the $107 million cut from the 2011/12 provincial education budget and whether they were teachers, administrators or a mixture of teachers and administrators. Lukaszuk responded that he will announce a 10-point plan within the next few days, with one of the points focusing on accountability for Albertans’ $33 million per day investment in the education system. Marz asked Lukaszuk whether he is confident that all of the $107 million will be used to put more teachers in classrooms. “I was very clear that the expectation was upon the school boards to invest the dollars in pressure points that they have identified within their respective jurisdictions,” Lukaszuk replied. “Some may have hired additional teachers or teaching assistants, some may have put in some extra programs and some may have allowed for additional supports for children who need additional support.” Marz asked Lukaszuk how many teachers will be rehired as a result of the $107 million. Lukaszuk replied that he will share that information with the legislative assembly and Albertans once he has received it from school boards.
November 23—Paul Hinman (WAP—Calgary-Glenmore), describing Premier Alison Redford’s commitment to restore the $107 million cut from the 2011/12 provincial education budget as the “signature promise” of her leadership campaign, asked Minister of Finance Ron Liepert where the $107 million will come from. Liepert replied that government will account for the money when it does its year-end accounting. Hinman suggested that Rob Anderson (WAP—Airdrie–Chestermere) could show Liepert how to find the money. Liepert responded by indicating that, according to the Fraser Institute, Alberta’s finances are in the best shape of any in North America. Hinman asked Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board and Enterprise Doug Horner to commit to find the $107 million in this year’s budget. Horner replied that government has already announced it will find the money in in-year savings.
Funding for Private Schools
November 24—Kent Hehr (LIB—Calgary-Buffalo), highlighting the principle of equality of opportunity, asked Lukaszuk how he will ensure that the continuing development of private and charter schools does not demote public schools to a second tier. Lukaszuk replied that government is committed to a public education system and to choice. He added that many private schools are not elitist and do not cater to the rich. Hehr asked Lukaszuk what he is doing to address the continuing development of private and charter schools. Lukaszuk replied that Alberta’s education system is always among the top five education systems in the world and usually among the top three, partly because Albertans have choice. Hehr asked Lukaszuk to cut funding to private schools. Lukaszuk replied that, because private schools receive only 70 per cent of the funding allocated to public schools and because private schools must build their own infrastructure, it could be argued that private schools subsidize public schools because government does not have to pay as much per student.
Provincial Achievement Tests
November 21—Arno Doerksen (PC—Strathmore–Brooks) asked Lukaszuk whether he plans to cancel provincial achievement tests. “We are looking at the PAT exams, and we will make sure that at the end of the day we will have a solution that is both constructive to administering education in this province and to addressing some of the issues that have been raised with the tests,” Lukaszuk replied. Doerksen asked Lukaszuk whether he will address the issue of undue student stress. Lukaszuk replied that government will alleviate parents’ concerns while continuing to develop and monitor curriculum. Doerksen asked Lukaszuk how he will ensure that provincial achievement tests are used to address and gauge student achievement rather than to compare teachers, schools and school jurisdictions. Lukaszuk replied that government will try to ensure that the tests are not misused by third parties.
Education Consultation
November 22—Teresa Woo-Paw (PC—Calgary-Mackay) asked Lukaszuk to identify the issues with Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans and Bill 18 that prompted a new consultation on the proposed Education Act. Lukaszuk replied that, while there were no issues per se, the act is not reviewed often and he wants to be able assure parents and students that government has done all it can. Woo-Paw asked Lukaszuk how he will ensure that Albertans from all corners of the province have an opportunity to participate in the consultation. Lukaszuk replied that Albertans will have an opportunity to register to attend one of seven forums, with priority accorded to students, parents and teachers. He added that Albertans can also participate through letters, e-mails, blogs, Twitter and Facebook. Woo-Paw asked Lukaszuk how he will ensure that young people are consulted meaningfully. Lukaszuk replied that he will encourage students in Grades 1—12 to engage in the consultation.
