Fewer than 60 students from K-12 attend Delnorte School in Innisfree, about 140 kilometres east of Edmonton. CBC reported that as of 2024, 14 small rural schools had closed their doors since 2019, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education. "The need for equitable and sustainable funding for rural schools is not a new concern," wrote Jackson, noting the issue has been raised by organizations like the Alberta School Boards Association, the Public School Boards' Association of Alberta, and the Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards. “The last thing any school board — and I can say this confidently — wants to do is look at the viability of a school long-term,” said Jackson. We do it because we believe in student success and especially in rural Alberta.”

Source: CBC News March 03, 2026 16:45 UTC