This morning's (September 21) Rocky View School Board Meeting has been cancelled, as representatives of the division attend meetings called by Education Minister David Eggen.

"The minister has asked, both senior staff members and some trustees to be present at a consultation meeting happening in Calgary this Thursday and Friday," said Superintendent Greg Luterbach. "Whether Minister Eggen himself is there, I'm not totally sure."

Luterbach explained the intent of the meetings is to discuss potential School Act amendments before they come into effect. Luterbach said Rocky View is very appreciative of the opportunity to provide feedback before the changes are brought about.

"When we hear about them after the fact, sometimes we think that we've got some advice that we might be able to present that might help with implementation, and so having this opportunity to be at the front end as opposed to reacting to it is certainly appreciated."

Luterbach said the Minister has outlined five topics for discussion. They want to increase the age access for public education from 19 to 21 years old. They also want to set an age of common entry for students to enter kindergarten, something that has been left up to divisions in Alberta. The meetings will also focus on education service agreements with First Nations in the province, and solicit feedback on Bill 1, specifically relating to school fees and transportation fees.

Luterbach said Rocky View is looking forward to providing more feedback on transportation fees specifically, something that has garnered much discussion in the division.

"Our board has written a letter to the Minister regarding concerns about how we are not receiving the fee replacement grant for students attending French Immersion schools who live more than 2.4 kilometers from that French Immersion school. While the board's already written a letter on this, this will be an opportunity to share that message directly either with the Minister or his staff."

Luterbach said the board also plans to send a follow up letter to the Minister with other concerns regarding transportation funding, and those same concerns will be brought up at today's meeting.

Five representatives of the school division, including Luterbach, two trustees, a school division rep and another senior staff member, will attend the meetings.

The meetings will be held in Calgary today and tomorrow.

 

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