Board votes on top priorities

Trustees of the Rocky View School board approved a document identifying six priorities they agreed are necessary for the growth and prosperity of the public education system, Oct. 18.

The four-page Advocacy Communiqué, will now be distributed to the public at www.rockyview.ab.ca

“Public education does great things,” said Trustee Helen Clease. She hopes the document will demonstrate the importance of the public education system not just to the parents and students, but the “other 70 per cent” not involved in the schools.

“The two working together will make it (the education system) stronger.”

The agreed upon priorities include insuring sustainable and predictable funding for new schools and modernizations, a review of Alberta Education’s funding framework, building awareness and value for public education, instituting 21st century assessment practices, securing regional child and family supports and establishing fixed boundaries for all jurisdictions.

The document asks the public to voice their support and lobby the government through “chance meetings, writing letters or visiting MLA offices to speak to the needs of RVS students.”

Trustee Don Thomas voiced concerns with the document, requesting the priority that dealt with instituting the 21st century assessment practices be taken off the list.

He said some members of the public disagree or don’t know enough about 21st century learning and more public consultation is needed. In particular, he said parents were divided on whether Alberta Education should decrease the weight of diploma exam results on student’ final grades, something the board wants to see happen.

“I’m OK with going forward,” said Trustee Colleen Munro. “I think it’s a starting point, it’s not the final point. There is ample opportunity to change and amend as we need to.”

The board voted down Thomas’ amendment request. They voted 4-1 to approved the document. Thomas voted against the motion.