Alberta Education has again denied funding for the ASCA. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, a $15,000 project specific Grant was the only funding obtained from the Ministry (not the $170,000 received in 2020, or the $654,000 received before that).
Indicated in an email from the Ministry on July 20, 2022, in response to the submission of ASCA conditional grant applications:
“I regret to inform you that the grant applications will not be approved for funding. Alberta Education does not provide operational funding to non-government organizations through grants.
Parent perspective is fundamentally important to Alberta's government. The Alberta School Council Engagement grant of $1 million ($500 for every school council) is evidence that this government values parent voice. Should individual school councils wish, they could use the funds from this grant to access ASCA resources.”
Jeff Willan, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Services and Governance
ASCA’s current fiscal reality means we diligently monitor revenue and resource capacity to ensure a minimum rolling 90-day viability. With an attainable revenue source in the ASCE grant funding of $500 to each school council in Alberta, the Association can confidently sustain operations and deliver services for the 2022- 2023 operating year.
ASCA will offer online Workshops, scheduled weekly throughout the year (September 2022 to June 2023) for school councils’ registration. Workshops help school councils understand their legislated role, increase capacity, and enhance parent engagement in the school community.
Workshops are delivered to school councils (regardless of ASCA Membership status), in a fee structure aligned with the Alberta School Council Engagement (ASCE) Grant.
ASCA is seeking 800 school councils to book their Level 1 $200 and Level 2 $300 training Workshops.
The ASCE grant funding to school divisions for each school is to support school councils fulfilling their legislated responsibilities in the education system and enhancing parent involvement and engagement. Activities that grant funds can be used for include ASCA learning opportunities such as workshops and customized services for parents to increase capacity for school council members.
ASCA is asking School Divisions to assist with expediting the ASCE grant funds to their school councils and encourage early registrations in ASCA workshops.
Of the 57 public/separate School Divisions in Alberta (+ 4 Francophone = 61), 52 School Divisions pay for all of their school councils in the Division to be members of ASCA. An additional four (4) school divisions pay based on request from their school council to be members.
For over 90 years, ASCA has been “the home and school connection”, providing resources, supports, services and learning opportunities to enhance parent engagement and school council effectiveness. The ASCA Board of Directors continues its commitment to ensure the Association remains relevant, sustainable, autonomous, and innovative.
Additional revenue sources for the Association are being sought through fund development initiatives, Corporate Sponsorship opportunities, donations, and various grant applications.
ASCA looks forward to a future serving its members, and supporting parents, principals, students, teachers, and community members on school councils across Alberta. Thank you for your support!!