School fee dispute hits Calgary Islamic School
A group of Calgary parents say they have been hit with school fees for their children that they don't agree with and want an explanation before they pay.
The parents all have children who attend the Calgary Islamic School (CIS), which has two campuses in the city, and they've been told to pay $1,400 for the next school year (the fee is $1,200 for any additional children enrolled).
CIS is not a private school, it's an alternative program under the Palliser School Division. An alternative school provides emphasis on a particular area of study, which could include religion, sports or art.
"We are not against paying fees. We support fees, but we need to see proof," said Ahmed Elsaid, who has three children at CIS.
"We need to see that there is a deficit there and we would be more welcome and more happy to pay these fees," he said.
Prior to this school year, a fee of a similar amount was collected by the Muslim Community Foundation of Calgary, but Elsaid says he didn't pay it because he believes it was optional. Now the fees are being collected by the school board itself.
"Unlike a traditional public school, there is no 'right' to attend these schools, and only those willing to pay the fees to attend are able to apply to become a student in these programs," reads a statement from the school board.
The Palliser School Division and CIS does receive some public funding because the K-12 school follows the Alberta curriculum, but the money doesn't cover the alternative programming costs.
Prior to this school year, a fee of a similar amount was collected by the Muslim Community Foundation of Calgary, but Elsaid says he didn't pay it because he believes it was optional. Now the fees are being collected by the school board itself.
"There's money for utilities and custodial and the day-to-day operations, but any of the capital-type projects, there's no funding for. And then, of course, (costs) for the alternative programming itself," said Dexter Durfey with the school division.
The school says the fee will go towards paying Islamic instructors, an executive director and staff, supplies and facility upgrades.
Alberta Education allows for school boards to set and collect fees for alternative programming and a spokesperson says they have been communicating with parents at CIS about the issue since last fall.
"Alternative programs offered at the Calgary Islamic Schools are considered programs of choice for Alberta students," reads a statement from the province.
"Alberta’s legislation respects local decision-making for the setting of school fees; the final decision on school fees is made at the local school board level," it says.
Parents at CIS who do not pay the fee will not be allowed to sign their children up for the next school year when enrolment opens next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada's housing market sees largest improvement in affordability in four years: National Bank
Canada’s housing market saw the largest improvement in affordability in nearly four years in the first quarter of 2023, according to a report from economists at the National Bank of Canada.

Prison service to review decision to transfer killer Bernardo to medium security
The federal prison service says it will have a second look at its decision to move convicted killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security facility as political leaders of all stripes react to the news with shock and outrage.
About ducking time: Apple to tweak iPhone autocorrect function
One of the most notable happenings at Apple's event for developers on Monday is likely the iPhone maker's tweak that will keep its autocorrect feature from annoyingly correcting one of the most common expletives to 'ducking.'
Poilievre threatens to filibuster budget bill if Liberals don't meet demands
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is threatening to use procedural tools to delay passage of the federal budget in the House of Commons if the Liberals don't meet his demands.
Here's what Quebec's wildfires look like from outer space
A photo taken from NASA show what the wildfires burning in Quebec look like from up above.
Facing evacuations due to a forest fire or flood? Here’s what to pack in a grab-and-go bag
While some natural disasters or bouts of extreme weather may require sheltering in place until authorities can restore power to the area, others require residents to evacuate quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours — and if you want to be prepared, you should create a grab-and-go bag.
Canada facing critical shortages of leukemia and thyroid cancer drugs
Canada is currently facing a critical shortage of drugs used to fight thyroid cancer and a form of leukemia.
Using melatonin for sleep is on the rise, study says, despite potential health harms
More and more adults are taking over-the-counter melatonin to get to sleep, and some may be using it at dangerously high levels, a study has found.
Hollywood actors guild votes to authorize strike, as writers strike continues
Actors represented by the Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA voted Monday evening to authorize a strike if they don't agree on a new contract with major studios, streamers and production companies by June 30.