Consultations begin on possible School Act changes

by Morinville News Staff

Consultations with school boards and parents to discuss transportation, fees, and other issues they say will help protect and improve education have begun, the government announced Wednesday.

The sessions provide a forum to discuss potential amendments to the School Act, which has governed Alberta’s K-12 education system for nearly three decades. Topics include those identified as areas of interest by school boards, First Nations leaders, and other stakeholders.

“Our government is working to making life better for students and their families. We committed that we would look at our current busing model and other areas of importance as we work to protect and improve education,” said David Eggen, Minister of Education, in a release Wednesday. “The School Act has served Alberta’s students well for almost 30 years. Working together with our partners, we can make sure that our education legislation continues to serve our students as they prepare for their futures.”

Arlene Hrynyk, president of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta, said association members first became involved in discussions regarding the School Act in 2009 and are pleased to see the act opened for amendment.

“Our association believes strongly in local autonomy, and we are pleased to see school boards invited to participate in this important consultation,” Hrynyk said. “I know that our members’ wisdom will prove to be invaluable as we work collectively to shape public education in Alberta.”

Alberta Education will host engagement sessions in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton throughout September.

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