Premier Smith outlines education investments ahead of 2026-27 school year

Alberta's premier and education minister will discuss the province's education system and upcoming school year investments in Calgary on Tuesday.

According to a government news release, the political leaders plan to highlight education investments and initiatives heading into the 2026-27 school year. The event will include the chairs of Calgary and Edmonton's Catholic school boards.

This year, the province fast-tracked 41 school projects in July, with 16 of them in Calgary, moving previously announced projects from the design stage to full construction funding. In June, Alberta announced $100 million for classroom supports, aimed at extending a program from elementary schools to junior and senior high. The province said the investment builds on earlier actions, including hiring 1,400 teachers and creating 476 K-to-6 complexity teams funded in February.

The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns from teachers about overcrowded classrooms.

Teachers and school leaders have reported feeling overwhelmed and, in some cases, unsafe in overcrowded classrooms while managing students with complex needs. The Alberta Teachers' Association has been vocal about sustainable funding, additional infrastructure, and support for schools managing rising enrolment and classroom complexity.