Division expresses optimism towards Alberta's Budget 2023

Lethbridge School Division is pleased with the news the Government of Alberta is investing more money into education.
The Division will be apprised of the details and how it impacts our Division when we receive our funding profile in early March.
Although we do not have all the details, highlights that appear positive include increased funding to recognize enrollment growth, classroom supports, facility operations and maintenance and transportation.
“The Division has advocated for more funding in these areas and is pleased that government’s response to challenges in education includes these increased financial commitments,” said Board Chair Allison Purcell.
Boosts to funding in these areas will assist the Division in addressing growing student numbers and the provision of supports and services in classrooms that contribute to student success.
Funding in operations and maintenance and transportation will help the Division deal with rising costs associated with items such as utilities, insurance and fuel.
“Our Division, like many others, has struggled to keep pace with a wide range of costs, placing a significant pressure on operations over the last few years,” said Christine Lee, Associate Superintendent, Business and Operations. “This additional funding will assist us in keeping pace with increasing costs.”
Lee added the Division will have two years to transition to the government’s new funding model for transportation, which reduces distance requirements for eligible ridership. The Division will work with Southland Transportation Ltd. and the Division’s partner, Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, on a transition plan.
The Division is looking forward to receiving our funding profile that will provide details to support the development of Lethbridge School Division’s 2023/2024 budget.
Additionaly, the Division is pleased with the capital announcement that the Galbraith Elementary School Modernization has been approved for School Planning Funds. This funding will progress the Division's planning and engagement work that started in 2022 and provide for the opportunity to continue with project scope development and pre-design for the modernization. These planning funds keep the modernization project on the path to full funding support in the future.