Advocacy Priorities
Continued Investment in Public Education
CBE provides a world-class education to one in six students in Alberta. We offer unmatched opportunities to ensure students are successful and have an enviable track record of student achievement. Let’s continue to work together to celebrate, protect and invest in CBE students.
Students are Successful
- CBE students consistently outperform the province on provincial tests and exams
- High school completion rates continue to increase
- Of Alberta’s 61 boards, CBE student outcomes ranked in the top five according to the 2019 MacKinnon Panel on Alberta’s Finances
- Alberta students ranked number three in the world in both science and reading, and in the top ten in mathematics based on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Programme for International Student Assessment
- Teachers and professional staff provide specialized supports to meet the diverse learning needs of students. CBE has 40,000+ English as Additional Language Learners and 25,000+ students with special needs – more than any other school district in Alberta
Families Have Choice
- Families can choose excellent programming at community or alternative program schools
- Choices include languages, science or arts-centred learning and traditional learning centres
- Starting in middle school, students can choose from course options including robotics, foods, construction, fine and performing arts, computer science and much more
- CBE offers multiple academic and career pathways for students to complete high school including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, dual credit, exploratory and off-campus opportunities as well as countless other options
CBE is an Integral Part of the Community
- Schools are the heart of a community – 70 per cent of elementary schools offer before and after school care, and schools are rented more than 35,000 hours annually
- As one of the largest employers and land owners in Calgary, the CBE has a significant economic impact
- CBE collaborates with the City of Calgary, other school boards and more than 300 community partners to offer the best learning experiences to students
Dollars are Allocated Wisely to Support Students and Classrooms
- CBE continually reviews service delivery and administrative staffing to find efficiencies and return dollars to classrooms
- CBE is committed to environmental stewardship. All new buildings are designed to meet high energy and environmental standards, and 40 schools are certified LEED gold or silver
- We are efficient in managing custodial, maintenance and planning costs
- Our administrative costs remain low at just three per cent of our total budget
Investing in CBE Students = A Strong Alberta
The provincial budget for 2023-24 provided an additional $130 million for CBE students. Using this investment, the CBE hired teachers, education assistants and other staff to support the students we have, and are expecting to have, over the next few years.
From rising enrolment and increased student complexity to the rising costs of keeping schools running in a period of high inflation, the increased funding will be allocated in the best interests of students. Continued investment must be sustained to ensure CBE students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Continued investment in education means:
Expanding Supports for Students with Complex Needs
CBE’s student population is becoming increasingly diverse, with more than 40,000 students identified as English as Additional Language Learners. While recent funding increases help, the need still exceeds the resources available. We will continue to work with government and community partners to find solutions in the best interest of students and their learning needs.
Adjusting Annual Base Funding to Keep Pace
CBE has welcomed more than 7,000 students in 2023-24. We expect another 2,000 students to enrol during the school year. This is enough to fill 15 elementary schools. Every year, base funding needs to be adjusted to keep pace with enrolment growth and escalating costs. Access to grants needs to be further simplified and more timely.
Funding the Real Costs of School Operations
Each year, funding should cover the real cost of items like utilities, maintenance, custodial services, and insurance. Inflationary pressures mean these costs, along with staff costs continue to increase.
Immediate Need for Learning Spaces
We require new schools to support rapid enrolment growth in Calgary, and modernizations to ensure student are learning in up-to-date facilities close to home. More than half of CBE's 251 schools are 50+ years old. Building and modernizing schools must continue to be a priority. There is also a short-term need for modular classrooms to address enrolment pressures.
Collaborating to Ensure Success for Career Education
Sustainable, predictable base funding is required for program success. We want to work with government to develop partnerships, leverage industry expertise, address equity of access and develop common standards and structures to support high school pathways to success.
Printable Advocacy Documents
How Funding Supports CBE Students
