Concerns grow as Calgary Catholic School District halts new intakes for 2 specialized programs

The Calgary Catholic School District says budget challenges have forced it to cut new enrolment for two of its specialized programs, including one that supports students with a range of learning disabilities.

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, the CCSD will no longer be accepting new students for the Learning Enhancements and Development (LEAD) program and the gifted education program that's designed for students who are seen as academically exceptional in one or more disciplines.

The decision comes after the district registered more than 40 new special education students for next year. As it works through its budgetary process, a spokesperson told CBC News the district has to prioritize and make "tough decisions" to meet those needs. 

"We need to triage student learning complexities and create congregated options for students with very complex needs for the next school year," the spokesperson said.

"We are proud of our diverse learning staff and the work that they do to support an increasing number of students."

Concerns for special education classrooms

CCSD is one of the largest school districts in the province with around 63,000 students in 118 schools in the Calgary area.

The board predicted within its 2024-27 capital plan that it would see an average annual growth of 1,400 students.

The implications of that growth, and what it might mean for the quality of education, is a concern for Mary Rose Argonza-Oberhoffner, who said her oldest daughter excelled in the congregated gifted program. 

She said she hasn't been told officially that the programs are being cut and found out after attending a school council meeting.

"The lack of prioritization on education that there is in the province right now … it's very concerning as a mom," she said.

Argonza-Oberhoffner was hoping her younger daughter would have the chance to do the same, but that's now unlikely.

"It's really quite upsetting for us to hear that these programs aren't going to be continuing on," she said.

"To not have that opportunity, it really concerns us, especially with the current classroom environment and worrying about how are her needs going to get met in a really quite full classroom."

'Record enrolment' contributing to problems

The 2024 provincial budget accounts for student population growth within its $9.3-billion capital influx for education across the province, according to the government.

There are plans to move forward with 18 projects that are intended to support 16,000 new and upgraded student spaces, specifically including a new high school in the southeast Calgary community of Rangeview, a new K–9 school in Chestermere, a  K-6 elementary school in the Redstone neighbourhood and a high school in west Calgary.

A $2.1-billion commitment over the next three years should help build more schools in Calgary and the rest of the province, the government said. It's also allotting $1.2 billion in new funding over the next three years to help hire more teachers to try to keep up with demand.

"We are, indeed, seeing record enrolment growth in our province," said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.

"Apart from extra funding, we are also working to build new schools as quickly as possible in our fastest growing communities."

And even though more teachers may help the increase in students, it doesn't necessarily address the issue surrounding those who need additional help and attention, according to Sarah Hamilton, an assistant professor with Mount Royal University's education department. 

"While you can meet the needs of almost all students with great design, some students still need additional support," she said.

"If they are saying that they're not going to be accepting students into those programs, especially the LEAD program, what sort of support are they going to offer for them then in those other classrooms, would be my question."

The education minister's office reiterated that more than 98 per cent of the budget flows directly through school authorities, which have the autonomy to make decisions regarding the staffing and operation of their schools. 

The CCSD's budget will be finalized by the end of May.