2016 To Equity from Equality – Differential Findings for NB Schools

The following report supplements the full report (Noble, 2016) on funding the education system in New Brunswick, entitled, Differential Funding Options for New Brunswick’s Schools: To Equity From Equality, as that province contemplates a ten-year education plan. This report is sponsored by the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI). Education fundamentally drives the economic well-being of a province. Ensuring every person’s economic potential is reached by funding each student according to his/or need heightens the financial future of all in the province. This view is supported by the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and a wide variety of research. The current research, contained herein, explains the current shortcomings of present funding arrangements in New Brunswick, while highlighting a successful way to get the most out of funding by targeting where money goes to ensure success of all children. Currently, New Brunswick’s per capita gross domestic product and income illustrates just how poor economic output and incomes are for that province relative to other provinces and territories. New Brunswick has the second lowest personal income in the country, with only Prince Edward Island having a lower per capita income. Further, New Brunswick has the third lowest per capita gross domestic product, a measure of economic output, with only PEI and NS being lower (Appendix). Education is key to prosperity. This research addresses a way to enhance greater equity within the New Brunswick education system. Funding fairness ensures all students receive the support they need to reach their potential and that of the province in the future, regardless of social, economic, or familial background. Equity does mean treating students differently, based on need – NOT treating all learners the same.