News Centre

CALGARY – The Board of Trustees of the Calgary Board of Education has approved the Working Together for Student Success 2017-18 budget report. The budget is balanced with the use of $9.8 million in operating and capital reserves.

The budget of $1.4 billion will support the operation of 247 schools and an estimated 121,200 students.

“We are pleased to submit another budget that puts students first,” said Board of Trustees Chair Joy Bowen-Eyre. “Our entire system has worked together to balance this budget. We will continue supporting an outstanding learning environment for Calgary students.”

In addition to the use of reserves, the CBE balanced the budget with $7.6 million in service unit budget reductions (3.7 per cent of total discretionary spending). School-based funding has increased by $12.5 million. 

Highlights of the budget include:

• The number of school-based teachers will increase by 92 full time equivalent (FTE) positions and school based support staff by 26 FTE positions.
• Funds allocated directly to schools have increased by $12.5 million to fund enrolment growth of 1.7 per cent and the opening of four new schools.
• $1.1 billion dollars (including 8,732 FTEs) will be spent on instruction in direct support of the achievement of success for each student.
• The CBE will continue to have one of the lowest Board and System Administration costs of all metro school boards.
• As per Bill 1: An Act to Reduce School Fees, Instructional Supplies and Materials fees will be eliminated for all students and transportation fees reduced or eliminated for those eligible under Provincial guidelines.
• Non-facility capital project spending is budgeted at $22.9 million, including:
• $2.6 million to support the commissioning of new schools scheduled to open in the 2018-19 year.  
• $2.2 million for wireless upgrades to address functionality issues.
• $5.6 million for technology replacement and refresh.
• $7.0 million for the development and implementation of the new Student Information System (SIS).

The CBE makes budget decisions based on its values: students come first, learning is our central purpose and public education services the common good. 

“This budget represent the best possible interplay between the needs, priorities, initiatives, and undertakings that, working together, will support continued student success,” said Chief Financial Officer Brad Grundy. “Each budget decision we make ensures students are put first so that we can continue to offer a world-class education.”