ATA President Jason Schilling says more teachers and supports will need to accompany additional schools. (Photo: Alberta Teachers' Association)

By Tanner Smith

"what good are schools without teachers?"

Alberta Teachers’ Association urging ‘action for today’s students’

Sep 20, 2024 | 10:26 AM

Following the provincial government’s $8.6-billion announcement to fast-track the building of new schools, both public and private; the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is urging more action.

READ MORE: Alberta premier announces boost to school building budget amid population growth

The ATA says it does recognize the importance of these capital projects, however, it will not solve ongoing issues like class sizes, teacher retention and recruitment, and inadequate support for students.

The ATA reports chronic underfunding has left Alberta schools and students in dire need, and “funnelling public money to charter and private schools that are not accessible to all families takes away from the majority of Alberta’s students.”

Alberta schools need time to catch up before moving forward, with President Jason Schilling saying, “Public education needs to work for the students of today and the students of tomorrow. Creating a fast-track to build new schools may be a place to start, but it cannot be where the government’s commitment to students ends.”

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“Students and teachers are still facing conditions that are not fair or sustainable. New buildings are welcomed, but what good are schools without teachers?” asked Schilling.

With this recent announcement, the ATA says schools will now experience another year of “overcrowded classrooms, unmet needs, decreased support for students with complex issues, and a lack of learning resources.”

In the same release, the ATA asked residents to contact their local MLA and “ask why Alberta spends the least per student across the country.”

Premier Danielle Smith said in her recent announcement that by quadrupling the current school construction budget to $8.6 billion, the province aims to offer up 30 new schools each year, adding 50,000 new student spaces within three years.

The provincial government also wants to build or expand five charter school buildings per year, starting in next year’s budget, adding 12,500 spaces within four years.

READ MORE: Division ‘super excited’ to see construction funding for two Taber schools

READ MORE: Alberta Premier Smith aims to help fund private school construction

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