FSD Assigned Classroom Complexity Team
The following is a joint statement by Board Chair Letendre and Superintendent Fuzessy
Foothills School Division has received one targeted Classroom Complexity Team that was appointed by the Ministry of Education and Childcare and is to be deployed into Spitzee School. It is our understanding that the Ministry reviewed the classroom data provided by each school board in the province and based on the Ministry’s criteria to determine the level of classroom complexity, each K to 6 classroom was triaged for level of need. The result is the province’s assignment of Classroom Complexity Teams for targeted supports to specific classrooms.
Schools are dynamic spaces where everyone belongs, and Foothills School Division works hard to meet learners’ needs within our available resources while continually strengthening safe, welcoming, caring, and respectful learning environments. Over the past several years, FSD has made deliberate decisions to prioritize front-line classroom supports — including drawing down reserves to the minimum allowable level — so we could maintain staffing and put as many supports in place for students as possible. Community and staff voices consistently reinforce this priority during our annual budget consultations.
While we are grateful that Spitzee School has been selected to receive a Classroom Complexity Team, FSD received one team across the entire Division, with the allocation determined provincially. It is important to note that our ability to locally absorb pressures through reserve spending and staffing decisions may not fully reflect the level of complexity being experienced in classrooms. In many ways, our schools have been doing everything they can to meet student needs with limited resources — but this approach is not sustainable. We know that there is more work to be done .
Additional funding for classroom complexity has been an area of advocacy for FSD for several years, and further investment is still needed to best meet the teaching, learning, wellness and well-being needs of our students and staff. While this targeted funding is a positive step, broader and more predictable funding is essential to ensure equitable support for students system-wide.
Having just received our confirmation of funding letter on Wednesday, February 18, we have begun the process of recruiting the required members of the Classroom Complexity Team which is to consist of 1 teacher and 2 educational assistants. This team will be integrated into the targeted classroom at Spitzee School as soon as possible.
It is worth noting that neighbouring boards also experience complexity and are hiring similar teams (Christ the Redeemer, 4; Livingstone Range, 2; Palliser, 5; Rocky View, 12; Calgary Catholic, 53; CBE, 118) drawing from the same regional pool of certificated teachers and educational assistants. This may impact the availability of our Guest Teachers (substitute teachers) who seamlessly jump into a classroom to provide a continuum of learning when staff are away. We appreciate the patience of our schools and families we serve as we adapt.
Foothills School Division is appreciative for the Classroom Complexity Team funding to support student learning; we look forward to seeing this funding grow so there is equitable opportunity across all schools.
Theresa Letendre Chris Fuzessy
Board Chair Superintendent of Schools
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