Public schools provide the best access to choice in education, so the increasing allocation of public tax dollars for charter schools is concerning. EIPS and other public school divisions are best positioned to leverage resources into broad, accessible and relevant programming for all Alberta students. Government investment in public education will reap dividends by having a diverse, skilled and strong workforce leading the way to social and economic success.

While the Division is encouraged funding for important areas like implementation of the new curriculum, student wellbeing and student transportation have been addressed in the new budget, EIPS will not know the overall impact for students until the end of March when we receive the funding manual and our detailed funding profile from Alberta Education.