Judi Hunter – Ward 5 Trustee
The provincial government provided some good news to school boards by increasing funding that included paying for the teacher negotiated increase in salaries. There were also increases to
the special education budget which has been a concern for school boards across provincial. Rocky View Schools had in 2020 put forward a resolution to the Alberta School Boards’ Association asking for a complete review of special education practices with a view to identifying best practices and current research. This was endorsed by the 61 Boards. As of yet, a review has not been initiated.
Through an initiative by a school council, the Board has conducted a safety review on the need for locked doors and cameras. As a result, Rocky View schools debate installing cameras and a buzzed-in systems at all schools where there is no line-of-sight from the administrative office at its April 6 meeting.
The joint School Council/School Board meeting March 23 had robust discussions around election advocacy, parent/ community engagement and creating effective council agendas and workplans. The Board recognizes and values the strong working relationships between schools and school councils in support of student learning and meaningful opportunities for students. We are grateful to and for the hard-working parents and community members who support our schools.
The Board has announced its capital plan for the 2023 and 2024 school years. Full details are available on the RVS website: rockyview.ab.ca
2023 Province has approved the following
Airdrie K-8 School for 900 students in the Design phase 2024 – our request new construction
Airdrie High School for 1500 students in the Planning phase 2024 – our request new construction
Cochrane K-8 School for 900 students in Preplanning phase 2024 – our request new construction
Chestermere K-9 School for 900 students in Preplanning phase 2024 – our request new construction
2024 Budget Year Requests
Airdrie K-8 school for 900 students – request new construction
Springbank (Harmony) K-8 school for 900 students – request new construction
Cochrane High school for 1500 students – request new construction
Chief Clarence Louie in his book “Rez Rules” provides an inspirational perspective on leadership, individual responsibility to the collective and thoughtful insights into the reservation system and Canadian race relations. I found this book to be thought-provoking and important. It should make each of us think about our commitment and responsibility to the collective and what we are willing to stand for. It reminded me of John Kennedy’s quote: “Think not of what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
Banded Peak School participated in “Your Voice is Power” a flagship initiative of Amazon Future Engineer Canada, a computer science and STEM education program that seeks to afford all young people the opportunity to explore their potential. See the link for details: www.cochranetoday.ca/local-news/students-at-banded-peak-school-in-bragg-creek-make-beats-learn-code-and-promote-equity-6754814
The April 6 Board meeting celebrated the 10th anniversary partnership with McKee Homes. The students who presented described their experience as life-changing. The students spoke to their personal development: leadership skills, teamwork, community giveback, and the satisfaction from the final achievement.
Langdon new school build is a P3 school – public, private partnership school, opening in September 2024. There will be a community consultation about the grade structure and school boundaries. The session will also address the impact on other schools in the area.
