Financing Education

Funding for education comes from a few different places. The provincial government and school taxes are the main contributors.

Operating grants from the provincial government are based on the number of students registered by September 30^th of the school year. These students must also be under the age of 21. Certain circumstances allow for more funding. Rural communities or special needs students are examples of circumstances that receive more funding.

Taxes from the surrounding community also help pay for education. The local school board sets the percentage that each landowner pays towards schooling. Personally, I think that money from these taxes is a good idea. In a way, it is investing in our children's future. I have no arguments when it comes to raising school taxes, as long as the school board can prove that the money is needed to help with education and not politics (like hiring more teachers so classrooms aren't so full instead of spending the money on raising the superintendent's salary).

Part of the funding that is provided goes towards the maintenance of classrooms and school buildings, janitorial services and supplies, and office costs. Other parts go towards teachers' salaries, transportation, etc.

The activity that we did in class about trying to cut down a budget was a huge eye-opener. In my mind, there are certain programs that could be offered as extra-curricular after school, if absolutely needed. Obviously not everyone agreed with me... But I liked hearing all the different sides to the argument. It really made me think of specific subjects differently than I had before.

Governance

There are multiple layers of government that govern schools. Each plays their own role in the operation of schools. The Federal government is in charge of First Nation and Metis education. The Provincial government is in charge of public school divisions and school boards, as well as the superintendents. Then there is the school level and community level. The schools are in charge of the Principals, Vice Principals, and teachers and other staff. The community is in charge of the Parent Advisory Councils and community partners and funding.

The Education Act, also known as the Public Schools Act is the law that surrounds education. It outlines all the duties of teachers, principals, the school board and the number of days of school each year. The Education Act is managed by the government. Curriculum, on the other hand, is managed by the Provincial government. School boards are elected into office and are in charge of the financial aspects of the school division. Superintendents are in charge of education. The school board is in trust of the superintendent, who in turn is in charge of the principal. Basically, this is the education hierarchy.

The important things to remember are:

1.       The Education Act is law! It is above everything else.

2.         The policy manual is written by the School board.

3.       School procedures (like day to day activities) are implemented by the school division and superintendent.

History of Education in Canada

Canadian education as we know it today had four main influences. There were influences from the French, the English, the Americans and the Scottish. Each added their own flavor to create our education system.


The French were very focused on elementary education. The taught the boys and girls separately and focused on teaching them tasks that they would need in their lives. The girls learned sewing and other tasks that they would need to run a household, while the boys received a more in-depth education. The schools were Catholic Church funded, where the male students were taught by priests and the female students taught by nuns.


The English separated their students according to class structure. Public schools were funded by rich families so their children could attend. Poorer families sent their kids to church-run schools and were taught by single women, such as widowers. 


The Americans were similar to the British. They moved to Canada during and after the War of Independence because they wanted to stay loyal to Britain. They were also separated by class structure. Essentially, the more money and power you had, the better education you received.


Lastly, the Scottish were the most democratic. Almost all of their children attended school because they wanted them all to be able to learn and have an education. They had a more extensive curriculum as well - they taught science and art with the other subjects. There were not as many Scottish immigrants to Canada, but there were groups of them that settled in the same area. The Scottish education system was easy to implement because there was no religious discrimination - the education system was almost neutral of religion.


Up until 1867, the provinces and territories all had different education systems, mainly based on their immigrant populations. After the British North America Act was passed in 1867, education was designated a provincial responsibility, so the provinces were able to continue using their education practices as before. 


During the late 1800's and early in the 1900's, people began to realize that education needed to prepare the younger generation for a more industrious life. People now lived differently than their parents had (thanks Industrial Revolution). People started moving to urban areas, and rural populations were shrinking.


During the World Wars, the government realized the need for technical schooling and set up funding programs. Students began to stay in school longer, and university became more popular. This eventually led up to where we are today!