By Aaron Haugen (@ahaugie on Twitter)

Education Minister Promotes Increased Funding During Tour of Lethbridge School

Apr 29, 2016 | 2:57 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Growing school populations will be met with increased funding next year, according to Alberta’s Education Minister.

David Eggen, Minister of Education, spoke at Galbraith School on the city`s north side on Friday about the government’s goal to provide stable funding for school districts across the province.

Minister Eggen said the plan is to keep districts from having to guess how much money they’ll be getting year after year.

“No matter the economic difficulties facing Alberta, our government is committed to providing Alberta students with quality education that enriches their lives and prepares them for a career in a diverse economy,” he said. “Through Budget 2016, we are providing school authorities with the stable and predictable funding they have long called for.”

The upcoming budget will allocate $7.5 billion for the 2016-17 school year, allowing 600 teachers and assistants to be hired in anticipation of the projected 1.3 per cent increase in students.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Allison Pike, President of the Alberta School Councils’ Association, praised the move as it’s been something her organization has been fighting for.

“ASCA is pleased that education has remained a priority for this government in Budget 2016,” she said. “Funding enrolment growth provides students with the best opportunity for school success.”

With two new schools planned on the west side, as well as renovations to Wilson Middle School finishing up, Mich Forster, Board Chair of Lethbridge School District No. 51, said the funding will help the district keep up with a growing population.

“Receiving stable funding is imperative to our efforts to provide students with the education they need to thrive in their futures,” he said.

Minister Eggen took a student-led tour of recent renovations to Galbraith School, including the re-opened top floor auditorium.

Here’s a video of Minister Eggen interacting with children during his visit – https://youtu.be/655DG5mdhl8

by Aaron Haugen (@ahaugie on Twitter)

Education Minister Promotes Increased Funding During Tour of Lethbridge School

What's Happening