This year's $1.9 billion budget for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development was tabled at the legislative assembly. This represents an increase of $200 million over last year's budget.
"Investing in education today is a commitment to the success of our next generation," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan. "The strategic investments we are making will ensure that the necessary support is available in light of our growing population, increased enrolment and newly opened schools."
The budget includes $18.6 million to support enrolment growth and ensure schools can meet the needs of students. This is in addition to $20.1 million announced in the 2024-25 capital budget that was allocated to building a new anglophone kindergarten-to-Grade 12 school in Dieppe, replacing three schools in Fredericton and one in Salisbury, building an addition to Tabusintac Community School, and an addition and upgrade at École Saint-Henri in Moncton. An additional $165.4 million from that budget will go toward 14 ongoing projects, including four rationalization projects, new schools in Fredericton, Moncton and Shediac Cape, and the purchase of Leo Hayes High School, which was built under a public-private partnership; its initial 25-year lease ends in 2024-25 and the government is purchasing the school for $38.1 million. Fourteen projects are underway.
To improve access to affordable, quality designated child-care spaces, an additional $7.4 million will be invested in the early learning and child-care sector through the Canada-New Brunswick Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This will bring the total investment to $150.7 million in 2024-25.
This year, $4.1 million will be allocated to implement longer-term measures, such as teacher recruitment and retention, enhanced virtual learning, and leadership development among school leaders. In addition, the department is again providing $2 million for school food programs.
Other highlights include:
· $4.4 million to support children with autism spectrum disorder.
· $7.4 million in support services to address the diverse needs of students.
· $24.3 million to address rising operating costs such as energy, transportation and other services.
· $7.8 million to provide support to reverse the effects of instruction time lost during the pandemic.
"This budget is an example of how we are continually working to improve our education system," said Hogan. "We are making additional investments to ensure all students, including newcomers, are supported and can access the tools they need to succeed."
