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Advocating for schools

Education is a function and responsibility of the Provincial government. Decisions around funding for the construction of schools and school resources is made at the Provincial level. Municipalities are required to provide the land for school sites.

Coopers Crossing School with bicycles in the bike rack in front of the building.

The City of Airdrie, along with local school divisions, advocate on behalf of residents and students for new schools and for more funding to be allocated to our community. 

The City also collects the Provincial Education Requisition (the education tax portion of your annual property tax bill) on behalf of the province. This year alone, residents of Airdrie will contribute over $34 million dollars for school operational funding in Alberta.

Recently the Government of Alberta has allocated funding for three school projects in Airdrie:

  • Construction funding for FrancoSud secondary school
  • Design funding for a new public K-8 school in SW Airdrie
  • Planning funding for a much needed, new public high school

It’s important to note that planning and design dollars are pre-steps for allocating funding for the construction of new schools. The need for more schools in Airdrie exists now, and it takes 3-5 years to build a new school.

Facts about schools and education needs in Airdrie

Source: Rocky View School Division – Airdrie specific infographic 

  • Within just the Rocky View School Division (RVSD) schools, there will be 600 more high school students than spaces, by 2027. In grades K-8, there will be 182 more students than spaces available.
  • Airdrie RSVD schools welcome 300-450 new students each year, enough to fill one new school every two years.
  • 2014 was the last time a high school was opened in Airdrie when our population was 54,891.
  • The utilization rate of all Airdrie high schools is 104%
  • Airdrie has five serviced school sites ready for construction. Two additional sites will be serviced within the next 6-12 months.

Provincial education funding commitments in Airdrie

The Province provides ongoing support and funding for the operations of Airdrie’s schools. This chart outlines the years that Airdrie was allocated capital funding for school construction, upgrades or pre-construction work.

YearProvincial funding Commitment
2023 Construction funding for 1 school - FrancoSud secondary school (Reunion)
Design funding for 1 school and planning funding for 1 school
2022 No funding
2021 Funding for upgrades to 1 school – St. Martin de Porres (Luxstone)
2020 No funding
2019 No funding
2018 No funding
2017 Construction funding for 2 schools – Northcott Prairie School (Hillcrest) and St. Veronica School (Coopers)

How can you support Airdrie’s advocacy efforts to improve education?

  • Write a letter - Send letters or emails to your MLA, Cabinet Ministers, the Premier or a Letter to the Editor in the newspaper
  • Spread the word - Share this page and the City's social media posts to help inform others
  • Check back often - watch this page for updates and new advocacy efforts