The ASCA Board of Directors is committed to making decisions to ensure the Association remains relevant, sustainable, autonomous, and innovative.
Meeting the challenges from a depletion in government funding (November 2020), which included moving to a fee for service business model, the ASCA continued to provide supports and resources essential for school councils’ success in 2021.
In November 2021, the Association was informed that the $170,000 (amount received in 2020) Grant Application to the Education Ministry was denied. Instead, a $15,000 project specific Grant was offered by the Ministry to the ASCA and is currently being explored. Minister LaGrange Letter to ASCA Nov 23.21
With increased operational efficiencies, and dedicated efforts to obtain alternative revenue, the ASCA will continue to uphold the commitment of service to school councils, school divisions, and fundraising associations in Alberta for the remaining fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
Moving forward, with a restructuring of resources and finances, here is what to expect starting in January 2022:
Workshops will be delivered to school councils regardless of ASCA Membership status with an amended fee structure, more inline with the new Alberta School Council Engagement (ASCE) Grant. Funding of $500 to individual school councils is now provided through the Funding Manual for School Authorities.
The ASCA office staff will be reduced by half (to two), plus the Executive Director. Additional Contracts for Service have been secured, as well as partner assistance agreements, to ensure ASCA audience and client expectations are supported.
The Association has hired a contract Fund Development Specialist to source alternative grants, sponsorships, and donations revenue for the Association.
The ASCA will be hosting an online School Councils Conference and Annual General Meeting in 2022, on April 22, 23, 24.
The ASCA Awards of Recognition program will not be presented in this (2022) operating year.
With an optimistic outlook, and pleased to persevere, the Association looks forward to serving its members and supporting parents, principals, students, teachers, and community members on school councils across Alberta, in the many months yet to come in 2022.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support … stay healthy and be well!