Superintendent: provincial funding for charter schools 25 years in the making

DiNinno calls the announcement incredibly encouraging and a great thing for Alberta’s education system, as it will increase access for students and families currently on large waiting lists.

While specific funding for CAPE has yet to be revealed, the superintendent expects it will enable more efficient operation and program delivery.

“This announcement is a long time coming but greatly appreciated,” says DiNinno.

DiNinno applauded “the willingness of the provincial government to work with the Charter School Association and individual charter schools, to listen and explore data together, so decisions are not based on here say, misinformation or old wives tales.”

Since moving into its new location in January of 2019, enrolment at CAPE has increased from 200 to 296 students.

DiNinno says that’s placed a huge strain on their ability to continue programming.

She says previous government funding for student supports has only been about one-third of actual expenses and required them to become more resourceful and think outside the box.

Some educators say the spending could undercut support for public schools, but DiNinno believes criticism of the announcement is based on misconceptions.

She notes the announcement came after a thorough independent external review of all charter schools in Alberta.

by Brian Konrad

Superintendent: provincial funding for charter schools 25 years in the making

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