Danielle Smith on Private Schools
TL;DR
Danielle Smith supports increasing public funding for infrastructure and operations for private and charter schools alongside public education needs.
Key Points
The Premier announced a portion of the $8.6 billion School Construction Accelerator Program would fund pilot projects for private schools, in addition to public needs.
Smith has indicated support for greater parity in per-student funding between public and private schools, which currently receive 70% of public funding.
In a 2018 statement, she suggested fully funding independent schools while phasing out government-run public schools due to concerns over critical thinking skills.
Summary
Danielle Smith has indicated support for bolstering independent schools, notably by suggesting that a portion of a major capital investment plan would go towards pilot projects for charter and private schools. Her government has faced scrutiny for increasing financial support to private institutions, which already receive 70% of per-student public funding, the highest rate in Canada, while public education advocates argue this diverts resources from the majority of students. The Premier has also previously suggested exploring a model where private schools receive parity in per-student public dollars compared to public schools, a concept described as a voucher system by critics.
This stance is viewed by some as part of a broader strategy to expand school choice and potentially erode the public education system, a concern amplified by historical comments where she suggested fully funding independent schools while phasing out government-run public schools. Despite the criticism that diverting funds exacerbates existing capacity issues in the public system which serves over 90% of students, the government continues to invest in the private sector, framing it as a response to population growth and a commitment to parental choice.
Key Quotes
“How about we go the other way? Maybe every independent school needs to be fully funded and we need to phase out every government-run, union-controlled public school more interested in indoctrinating students than teaching them critical-thinking skills.
“We're paying anywhere between $12,000 to $14,000 per student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Danielle Smith's government supports increased public funding for private schools, including capital investment for infrastructure. She has publicly backed 'school choice' and suggested working toward parity in per-student funding between public and private sectors.
There is evidence of an evolution in how strongly her position is expressed; in 2018, she suggested fully funding private schools while phasing out public ones. Currently, her administration commits funds to both, though critics suggest this prioritization still favours private institutions.
Danielle Smith stated that the government is paying a certain amount per student and has supported increasing investment in private and charter school construction. Critics point out that Alberta already provides the highest public funding percentage to private schools nationally.
Sources5
Alberta government announces 'historic' education funding boost in provincial budget
Province announces $8.6 billion school construction plan
No public money for private school construction - Support Our Students
Danielle Smith: Maybe we need to defund public schools | Globalnews.ca : r/alberta
Alberta's private school funding draws scrutiny amid public education debate
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.