Possible School Closures – How do we move forward together?
Sunday November 29, 2009
Steph McCallum
Greater Hardisty Area & City Centre Education Partnership Edmonton Public Schools is engaging the community and stakeholders in a conversation on school space as the centre of a complete and vibrant
community.
We’ve gathered input on people’s values, ideas and suggestions on how, when, where and by whom school space could be used. We know the important role schools play as centres of support and involvement for kids, families and communities, the role school space plays in bringing a community together and providing services that integrate and support everyone in entire area. We also know how important you think schools are as part of urban renewal and revitalization.
We've been told by the community that we need to answer a few hard questions: Is there a pre-determined outcome? NO. There is no plan for which schools will close - that is part of our conversation with you. Will schools close? IT IS LIKELY that the Administration will make recommendations to the Trustee that this happen, based on the realities of the situation.
NOW, we need to reflect on the input people have provided AND consider the realities of declining enrolment, budgets under pressure and potential capital investment requirements. This is a hard conversation.
Based on what you know about your kids, family, community and area – what options would YOU suggest for schools in Greater Hardisty and City Centre Education Partnership areas? We know your first response may be one that says “Don’t close my school”, and we understand that. However, due to the realities, it might happen anyway. So instead, think about your kids, family and community – if you don’t get what you want, how might you get what you need? How might we move forward in this change – together?
Column ID#: 121
**Opinions expressed by guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Connect2Edmonton members, partners or sponsors.**
RSS Feed