May 15, 2023

Vote For an Excellent, Accessible, Equitable, Education

As we know the importance of democratically elected trustees is vital to the oversight and value provided within the public school system. Voted in by a universal electorate, where everyone is able to vote, trustees work hard to set goals, advocate for public schools, lobby the government and focus on accountability to ensure public schools remain a key pillar in society providing equity to all. As stewards of millions of dollars in public funds, trustees are accountable to the very taxpayers who voted them in. That says a lot!

Now let’s think about the provincial election. Do charter and private schools follow this same process of accountability and democracy to ensure their school systems are run the same way? Are they freely equitable? The answer to these questions is a resounding no! When thinking about who to vote for in this election, think about which candidate and which political platform best aligns with and best supports a truly equitable public school system.

Over the last few years, we have seen more public funds being diverted from public schools to charter schools, in essence doubling administration costs. In fact, the recently announced purchase of the SMART Technologies building at the University of Calgary Research Park further validates the commitment to charter schools. Why is this happening for a select few when charter schools are not accessible to everyone? Why is this happening when public schools are in immediate need of new buildings themselves? Think about that.

Something else to consider this election is that charters schools receive 100% per pupil funding, the same as public, separate and Francophone schools. Why is this when only public schools are accessible to everyone without religious or financial stipulations? Charter and private schools also have different tuition fee structures that often require parents to contribute high financial costs for enrolling their children. With this extra financial injection, why are we subsidizing these school systems?

Ask yourself this when considering who to vote for this election, which candidate truly believes in equity for all Albertans? Which platform supports democratically elected trustees to oversee school systems on behalf of the taxpayers? Which platform supports and acknowledges the excellent PISA results that Public Schools have proven to deliver to Albertans? Who supports public schools and equitable education for all our youth?

So how can you get informed on who to vote for? Look at candidate platforms, and more importantly party leader platforms. Review their stance on public schools and read between the lines. Look at the party’s history regarding their education beliefs and actions.

Need more information on public schools? Review some of the information we have created here that talks about just some of the priorities public schools advocate for. Or take a look at our activity on social media, we have been busy creating content to advocate for public schools.

Most importantly, get out and VOTE on May 29! Remember one of the perks about living in a democracy is that we all have a choice, and we have a voice, so use it. Don’t sit on the sidelines and hope the government delivers what you and your family need to have a successful education system. Vote for the future generations who deserve an excellent, accessible, equitable, education.