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By rdnewsNOW staff

$143 million investment

Provincial government announces classroom complexity teams for school divisions in central Alberta

Feb 13, 2026 | 4:59 PM

The Government of Alberta announced on Friday they’ve investing $143 million to establish 476 complexity teams in K-6 schools, which include one teacher and two educational assistants, across the province.

The government says teams will be allocated to schools with the highest identified needs.

These teams will help identify student needs early, support learners with diverse challenges and provide in-class assistance to teachers. They will also be able to bring in additional specialists when needed, giving schools the flexibility to respond directly to students’ needs.

“We said we would use better data to make better decisions, and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a media release. “Every child deserves a safe, supportive classroom where they can learn, and every teacher deserves the backing they need to do their job well. We will keep taking practical, evidence-based action to make that a reality across Alberta.”

Locally, Red Deer Public Schools will get 11 teams, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools will get nine, Chinook’s Edge School Division will get two, Clearview Public Schools will get one, Wolf Creek Public Schools will receive two and Wildrose School Division will get one team.

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“Classrooms today are more complex than ever, and this funding acknowledges the realities our students and teachers face every day,” said Nicole Buchanan, chair of Red Deer Public Schools. “We are committed to directing these resources where they will have the greatest impact, supporting student success and well-being, and ensuring excellence in teaching and learning happens in every classroom.”

These teams are a result of data collected during the classroom complexity survey completed by classroom teachers in November last year.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Board Chair, Mr. Chris Andrew, said the board welcomes the support to address current classroom needs.

“Our teachers, administrators, and support staff have been incredibly patient and dedicated during a challenging year, and this funding is much needed,” Andrew said.

“By integrating these nine Complexity Teams into our elementary schools, we are not just adding staff, we are adding capacity,” added Nicole Zimmerman, Associate Superintendent of Student Services at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. “These teams will allow us to intervene earlier, support our most vulnerable learners more effectively, and alleviate some of the pressure on our classroom teachers so they can focus on instruction for all students.”

The Class Size and Complexity Cabinet Committee, the provincial government added, will continue working closely with school boards, collecting and assessing data, and bringing forward recommendations for longer-term actions to strengthen classroom supports across Alberta.

Meantime, Chinook’s Edge Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ryan Sawula, said the move signifies a positive step towards addressing the ongoing issue of classroom complexity.

“We are pleased with the data-driven approach that the Government of Alberta is utilizing,” Sawula said.

“Chinook’s Edge School Division will continue to address the issue of complexity to benefit our students and staff.”