On Thursday (February 1), members of Rocky View had a meeting in Airdrie with Education Minister David Eggen.

The 45-minute meeting was attended by the entire board except for one member that had a prior appointment, as well as Superintendent Greg Luterbach and Associate Superintendent Larry Paul. Board Chair Todd Brand said the meeting was productive.

"I think in the areas that we discussed, first of all we felt that he was really listening and trying his best to understand our concerns. He was very interested in getting a better grasp of the Rocky View context. Just judging by the types of questions he was asking, he wanted to get a firm understanding of where we're coming from and the things that are concerning to us."

Rocky View requested the meeting, which centered on three issues: The need for new schools in the division, concerns over the Government's current funding formula, and concerns around transportation.

Brand explained the current rate of growth in Rocky View necessitates two new schools in the division per year. While Minister Eggen sees those numbers, the division wanted to personally convey that information to the minister.

When it comes to the funding formula, Brand explained there is concern among many school divisions. The current funding formula doles out funds on a per-student basis that is not totally equitable. While Brand acknowledges different divisions have different needs that result in differences of funding, the current formula still leaves room for divisions with similar needs to see a disparity. That is not entirely the current government's fund, as the formula was inherited from previous administrations. Even so, Rocky View expressed a long-term hope that the funding formula would be reexamined.

Finally, Rocky View expressed their concerns around transportation. The division currently faces a $1 million transportation deficit due to a combination of underfunding, fee restrictions under Bill 1, and the carbon levy. The division is currently consulting with parents to figure out the best option going forward.

Brand said Minister Eggen really listened to the board's concerns and asked plenty of questions. Brand was also encouraged by the responses to their questions.

"At the end of the day, both ourselves and the Minister were able to have a better understanding of the issues that each of us are facing and the priorities that are important to us. Sometimes that's the most that you can ask for, is that increased understanding takes place."

Brand acknowledged the Government faces significant fiscal challenges in meeting the needs of all Alberta's school boards. Even so, he said it is apparent that Minister Eggen cares for Alberta students and schools, and is working hard to ensure divisions like Rocky View are successful.

Minister Eggen specifically committed to working with Rocky View on the transportation problem, asking a smaller group from Rocky View to come to a future meeting.

"My guess is myself and Superintendent Luterbach at the very least will be meeting with the Minister again in Edmonton sometime in the near future, just to continue the discussion on transportation," said Brand. "The Minister says he wants to work with us on that."

 

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