The Alberta government has allocated $100 million to expand complexity teams and supports in schools across the province, responding to the unique needs of students. Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced the funding Monday at the McDougall Centre in Calgary.
Funding Breakdown and New Teams
Of the total, $75 million will go toward complexity teams and $25 million for extra supports. The commitment adds 221 complexity teams: 63 new K-6 teams and 158 junior high and high school teams. Each high school team will include one teacher, one educational assistant, and funding for up to two specialized staff as needed.
“School boards have reported as of April 30, that 97 per cent of these teams are either fully or partially staffed,” Nicolaides said. “Now, we’re extending that support across all grades with 221 more complexity teams.”
Addressing Student Influx and Rural Needs
Alberta welcomed nearly 90,000 students over the last four years, creating pressures on schools and teachers, Nicolaides noted. The expansion aims to improve training and support for teachers and staff, and enhance access to specialized services, especially in rural and remote communities.
“Rural and remote school boards often face challenges accessing services for students such as behavioral supports or mental health services due to the costs associated with bringing these individuals to these smaller communities,” Nicolaides said. “This funding will help deliver services like speech language pathology and psychological support directly in communities, reducing travel barriers and improving access.”
Training and Budget Context
Training for students and staff will focus on classroom complexity and safety, with an emphasis on de-escalating, preventing, and responding to behavioral challenges. The $100 million is part of Budget 2026, contributing to over $10 billion in total investment in Alberta’s education system, including hiring more than 1,600 teachers and 800 support staff.
Calgary Catholic School District board chair Lory Iovinelli highlighted that classroom complexity remains a major challenge. “Students with increased diverse academic, behavioural, social, emotional, and mental health needs require more than compassion,” Iovinelli said.
