Funding Clarification

Medicine Hat, Alberta - May 23, 2024:  In response to a news release from the Alberta Teachers Association - Thirteen Alberta school boards to receive funding cuts on May 22, 2024, we would like to share a few important points for clarification.   

Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) has maintained a successful partnership with Prairie Rose Public Schools (PRPS) for Coulee Collegiate since 2020. The funding and expenses for this program are shared 50/50 between the two Divisions.  

2023-2024 - The funding for an estimated 146 MHPSD students at Coulee Collegiate came directly from Alberta Education through our grant profile funding.  

2024-2025 - Partners agreed that it would remove a layer of complexity, for one school board to administrate the program and the funds for the upcoming year. The funding for the full 292 students at Coulee Collegiate will be paid to PRPS through the Alberta Education grant funding profile. PRPS will pay MHPSD the applicable $1.38M of funding for the 146 MHPSD students at Coulee. 

In summary, the reduction in the MHPSD Alberta Education grant funding profile was expected due to how the funding for Coulee Collegiate students is being accounted for in 2024-2025. 

The full 2024-2025 MHPSD budget will be presented at the May 28, 2024 board meeting.   

Background: Coulee Collegiate was established as a school in the 2020-2021 school year through a partnership between Medicine Hat Public School Division, Prairie Rose School Division, and Medicine Hat College. Located at Medicine Hat College, you will find Coulee Collegiate on the third floor, above the Vera Bracken Library. Coulee Collegiate offers both distance learning and in person high school courses.