EIPS and ATA concerned by province's charter school investment – Sherwood Park News

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An announcement by the UCP government this week that earmarks millions of dollars over the next three years to expand existing charter schools and encourage the creation of new ones did not sit well with Elk Island Public Schools.

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Trina Boymook, board chair of Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS), is concerned about educational funding being diverted from public schools. 

“It’s critical the strong foundations of Alberta’s public schools are respected and maintained, and taxpayer dollars are used to support the system that best serves the interests of the majority of students,” Boymook underlined. “Diluting resources to alternative educational institutions, without a mandate for inclusivity and public accountability, weakens Alberta’s overall capacity to grow, thrive and prosper for years to come.”

Premier Jason Kenney and Education Minister Adriana LaGrange said $25-million in additional operation funds and $47-million in new capital spending over three years will help schools grow.  

Kenney said charter schools provide more choice for parents.

“EIPS, and public school divisions throughout the province, consistently deliver a broad range of programming options for students of varied backgrounds and interests,” Boymook said in response to the premier. “From specialized languages and faith-based programs to advanced academic opportunities and competitive sports to specialized supports and continuing education, students within the division have the opportunity to push past their limits and find meaningful ways to contribute to and enhance their communities.” 

There are currently 16 publicly funded charter schools in Alberta and the school generally focus on a specific aspect of education, like music or outdoor learning. The schools use public funding, receiving about five per cent of the province’s total education funding, but they are run by their own boards. 

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“EIPS schools are diverse, inclusive and welcoming to all students,” Boymook said. “Our programs are based on sound current pedagogy and are delivered by expert, certified teachers who embrace and nurture a culture of lifelong learning. Additionally, oversight and guidance are provided by locally elected trustees, who, in turn, are accountable to the constituents in the communities they serve.”

The premier said charter schools are not allowed to charge tuition and are required to accept all students who apply, assuming there is space. 

NDP education critic Sarah Hoffman accuses the UCP government of “sabotaging” public education by funding charters. 

“Edmonton and Calgary students desperately need schools and modernizations and the UCP’s no-help budget also does not invest a dollar in Francophone construction either,” Hoffman said. 

Kenney said about one-third of the schools in Alberta being replaced or refurbished are in the Edmonton area. The 2022-23 Alberta Budget included $25-million for 15 school infrastructure projects, including planning and design funding for a replacement for Sherwood Heights Junior High.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is also concerned about the injection of funding for charter schools. ATA president Jason Schilling said public education has been chronically underfunded for years and new funding should be going to public, separate or francophone schools — not charters. 

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“The government is dedicating $72-million in new funding to just 16 schools,” Schilling said. “This is an inequitable, unjustified, ideological investment that epitomizes how privatization comes at the expense of public education.”

The ATA president added that some charter schools use admission criteria, IQ tests or performance assessments to restrict access, and many do not accept students with specialized learning needs. 

“Public funds should go to public education. Since 2013, real per-pupil funding for public education in Alberta has declined by 15 per cent,” Schilling stated. “Government funding to expand charter schools is simply an effort at privatization at the expense of our public education system, which is the first choice for 93 per cent of Alberta’s students.”

The ATA said charter schools should be incorporated as alternative programs within publicly governed and administered school boards and all teachers should be full and active members of a unified profession. 

— With files from Ashley Joannou

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