Northern Lights Public Schools Facing $1.6 Million Funding Shortfall

Lower student enrolment leads to staffing cuts across the division, including Glendon School

Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) is facing a $1.6 million funding shortfall after this fall’s enrolment numbers came in below projections, forcing staffing adjustments at nearly half of its schools.

According to the division, as of September 29—the date the province uses to determine funding—NLPS had 150 fewer students than expected when the 2025 budget was approved in June. The decline in enrolment means less provincial funding, and with reserve funds already depleted, the division must make immediate staffing changes at 12 of its 27 schools.

At Glendon School, teaching staff will be reduced by one position to reflect lower student numbers. The division said it is still determining how that change will be implemented and will provide more information once finalized.

The school will also see a reduction in library time, though NLPS is working with the public library to ensure students continue to have access to reading and learning opportunities throughout the week.

The division says it will continue reviewing timetables and programming to balance the budget while minimizing disruption for students and families.

NLPS noted that declining enrolment trends have affected school divisions across Alberta this year, with many facing similar challenges as they adjust to reduced funding and rising costs.