Calgary Property Tax Choices and School Funding Demystified

In Calgary, a recent forum debate has highlighted confusion about how property tax designations affect school funding, especially concerning private schools. Residents are questioning if their choices on tax notices influence public dollars reaching private educational institutions.

Calgary property owners can direct their education taxes to either public or separate (Catholic) schools through a School Support Notice. If no designation is made, funds default to the public system. These allocations are strictly for public education, not private schools. Instead, private institutions receive funding from provincial general revenues.

Private schools in Alberta benefit from provincial grants, receiving about 70% of the per-student grant that public schools get. This support is independent of property tax designations, which only affect public and separate school systems. The misunderstanding stems from concerns about public money supporting private education, but the funding structures are distinct.

The debate underscores broader tensions between supporting educational diversity and ensuring equitable public school funding. As Calgary grows, balancing these priorities remains crucial for maintaining a robust education system.