Edmonton's two main school boards take a combined hit of about $9 million, after an arbitrator awarded teachers more money this week.

They should be getting a 5.99% wage increase, up from 4.82% they got at the start of the year. The smaller figure was based on a Statistics Canada formula used to calculate the average weekly earnings of Albertans. Recently, Stats-Can changed the formula, and the Alberta Teachers Association argued that its members should get the higher raise as part of a five-year contract signed with the province to begin the 2007-'08 school year. The arbitrator agreed. The increase is retro-active to the start of the 2009-'10 year.

Overall, the province is out $23 million with this ruling -- that's not included in the budget, due to be tabled next Tuesday. So, boards won't know how they'll be able to make up theior shortfalls until after the budget is tabled.

Edmonton Catholic Schools' board chair Debbie Engel says she is confident Education Minister Dave Hancock will be able to convince the folks at the Alberta Treasury to free up money to make-up the shortfall -- or, at least, help soften the blow of a $2.6 million hit for her district.

For the time being, Hancock has advised all boards around the province to not panic, and avoid any job losses amongst teachers or support staff.

"If there are, in fact, any reductions in terms of staff or in services, they will be quite minor," says Don Fleming, who chairs Edmonton Public School Board, which will have to find an additional $6.5 million. "People should not be concerned."
(bp)