Edmonton Public Schools says 36 complexity teams funded, not 52

Edmonton Public Schools has walked back the number of new complexity teams it's bringing on board—and clarified teacher qualification requirements—after HighOnCity asked follow-up questions about staffing.

In our original story, we reported Edmonton schools were racing to hire 52 new complexity teams before fall. We followed up with two specific questions: what happens to students waiting for these teams if the division can't find enough qualified teachers, and how many positions would be staffed by temporary-certificate holders rather than fully certified teachers.

Kim Smith from EPSB's office replied this week with a correction: the division is receiving funding for 36 new complexity teams, not 52.

On credentials, Smith was direct: teachers are required to have a valid Alberta Teaching Certificate. The division works within guidelines set by Alberta Education to ensure all credentials are met.

But Smith didn't address the core contingency question—what happens to students if positions stay empty—or provide specifics on how many roles might be filled temporarily. Instead, she directed further inquiries about credential requirements to Alberta Education and Childcare.

Smith also noted the division hadn't issued a public release. The original 52-team figure came from answers one reporter received during their reporting.

The corrected number matters for families trying to understand what support will actually be available in schools this fall. And the unanswered questions about what happens if hiring falls short remain relevant as the rollout approaches.