Foothills School Division Board of Trustees approve 2026–2027 budget aligned with Education Plan priorities
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The Foothills School Division (FSD) Board of Trustees have approved the 2026–2027 operating budget, reinforcing the Division’s commitment to student learning and well‑being at the centre of a flourishing learning community and advancing the priorities outlined in Year 3 of the 2024–2029 Education Plan.
The approved budget supports Foothills School Division’s vision of Engagement, Support, and Success for each learner, ensuring resources are aligned with what matters most for students, staff, families, and communities across the region. The budget reflects careful prioritization to continue supporting students and schools in a complex and evolving fiscal environment.
Investing in Education Plan priorities
Guided by the Education Plan, the 2026–2027 budget prioritizes investments that strengthen literacy and numeracy, support student and staff wellness, and ensure a responsive continuum of supports for learners. These focus areas directly reflect the Division’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming, caring, respectful, safe, and inclusive learning environments where every learner can flourish.
The budget also continues to support excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership, while advancing innovation and meaningful learning experiences that help students build skills that transfer beyond the classroom. By aligning financial decisions with evidence‑informed strategies, the Division remains focused on continuous improvement and long‑term success.
Board Chair, Theresa Letendre, emphasized the importance of aligning resources with the needs and values of students, families, and communities across Foothills School Division.
“Public education matters deeply to our communities, and every budget decision carries both responsibility and impact. As trustees, our role is to ensure resources are aligned with what matters most for students and families, while also supporting the long-term well-being of our communities.” She continues, “This budget reflects our continued commitment to safe, welcoming schools, strong learning opportunities, and the supports students need to flourish. We are proud of the work happening across Foothills School Division and grateful to the families, staff, and community partners who continue to help shape that work.”
Connecting resources to community voice
Development of the 2026–2027 budget was informed by engagement with education partners and reflects feedback emphasizing manageable class sizes, strong foundational learning in literacy and numeracy, accessible supports for diverse learners, and well‑resourced implementation of curriculum. This approach directly aligns with the Education Plan’s emphasis on meaningful engagement, transparency, and shared responsibility for student success.
Community voice and collaboration have been a focus in the past year for Superintendent Chris Fuzessy. The Flourishing Forward project that was established in January 2026 has garnered valuable input from parents, students, staff, and community partners on the topics of improving student supports, advocacy, AI and emerging technology, community, and belonging to further inform the operational goals of the Division. The priorities identified from this first iteration of the Flourishing Forward project are being researched and folded into the Division’s operational plan. FSD looks forward to sharing the collective priorities and steps to advance them following consultation with the Division’s team in June.
Fuzessy shares, “This budget and education plan are a direct reflection of what we have heard from families, students, and our staff team. We have a wealth of resources within our division, and in our greater Foothills community. It is our intent that with our internal and external partners, we will make a collective effort to assure FSD student success. This work is part of our commitment to safeguard rural equity and excellence in education and keeping student learning and well-being at the centre of every decision we make.” He continues, “By aligning our resources with Year 3 of the Education Plan, we are ensuring responsive supports are in place, so every learner feels connected, valued, and supported to succeed.”
What families can expect to see in schools
As Foothills School Division enters Year 3 of its 2024-2029 Education Plan, families can expect to see continued, visible progress in areas that support student learning, well‑being, and belonging — all aligned with the priorities funded through the approved 2026–2027 budget:
Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy
Families can expect a continued focus on strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, with teaching strategies grounded in evidence and responsive to student needs. Literacy and numeracy remain central to the Division’s definition of success and are embedded across classrooms and grade levels. Teachers will continue to adjust instruction based on student progress and needs, helping strengthen skills such as reading comprehension, number sense, and problem-solving across subject areas.
Welcoming, caring, and inclusive learning environments
Students will continue to learn in schools that prioritize well‑being, safety, and belonging. Year 3 of the 2024-2029 Education Plan emphasizes creating welcoming, caring, respectful, and inclusive spaces where students feel connected, supported, and ready to learn. This includes a focus on wellness, positive relationships, and a shared responsibility for student success. A part of this commitment is achieved through Students’ Matters and the newly formed Student Community Council. Students work together to foster safe, caring, welcoming, and respectful learning environments, as well as engage with the Superintendent of Schools to inform the future actions of the Division.
A sense of belonging is integral to success. Data from the Annual Education Results Report indicate that First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students have a strong sense of belonging. The Division will continue to enhance its practices that foster inclusive learning environments where all students feel respected, supported, and represented.
A responsive continuum of supports
Families can rely on the system to continue strengthening a continuum of supports that responds to diverse learning needs. This includes learning supports that are timely, coordinated, and aligned across classrooms, schools, and the Division, ensuring students receive the right support at the right time. Our community can expect to see improved communication regarding the supports available across the system, how these supports can be accessed, and enhanced connection to community partners that best support students and families.
Excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership
Student success is possible through experienced and qualified and certificated team members and leadership. Families will see continued investment in high-quality teaching practices, collaborative learning, and leadership that supports both student growth and staff well-being. This is made possible through dedicated professional learning days, mentorship of new leaders and new teachers, and ongoing collaborative opportunities between staff and schools to best support students.
Meaningful learning that transfers beyond the classroom
In preparation for the world of work and beyond, students will continue to engage in meaningful learning that builds transferable skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. The plan emphasizes real-world learning that helps prepare students for future pathways. Students will participate in lessons that encourage problem‑solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, rather than memorization alone.
The Division provides expanded career preparedness and opportunities including Dual Credit, Registered Apprenticeship Programs, access to innovative programs like the Vertical Farm Initiative, First Responders Program, French Immersion, Outdoor Learning, and Fine Arts programs.
Learning experiences that are connected to real‑world contexts, help students understand how their learning applies beyond school. FSD provides opportunities for students to explain their thinking, reflect on learning, and apply skills across subjects.
Ongoing engagement and communication with families
In its commitment to meaningful engagement and communications, FSD will continue to enhance its practices. Listening to family and community voice remains a core commitment throughout the 2024-2029 Year 3 Education Plan and informs both educational and financial decision‑making.
Moving forward together
As Foothills School Division enters Year 3 of its Education Plan, the approved 2026–2027 budget shows a clear alignment between vision, priorities, and action. Together with students, staff, families, and community partners, the Division is committed to strengthening learning, fostering belonging, and supporting success — today, and into the future.
The Foothills School Division strategic planning documents and reporting can be reviewed at the division’s website:
Media Contact:
Sara Fox
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
communications@fsd38.ab.ca
