As was extensively reported last week, the government of Alberta announced that four new schools will be built in our constituency to be opened by 2014.
This includes a high school, a middle school and a K-12 Francophone school in Airdrie as well as a K-9 in Chestermere. All four schools are desperately needed, and will likely be full upon being opened.
Although these four schools won’t be ready for a couple of years, Rocky View Schools has found some innovative ways - using high-end portables and other proactive ideas - to begin work on two additional schools for elementary-age children in the interim, which will eventually be turned into full-use school facilities, hopefully within the next two to four years.
In addition to these public schools, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School, an exceptional not-for-profit faith-based private school in Airdrie, is planning to move locations and expand the spaces it offers to Airdrie students.
There are also several constituency members looking into the feasibility of beginning public charter schools for local elementary students.
All of these schools are critically needed and the public schools should have been included in the school announcements of 2008 by then Education Minister Ron Liepert prior to the last provincial election.
But politics got into the equation, and many schools were built where there was a political need for votes at the time rather than based on actual need. Airdrie, Chestermere, Fort McMurray, Beaumont and other so-called, “safe PC seats” at the time paid the price.
However, it is always better to admit and correct a mistake than to continue to play politics with the future of our children’s education. Premier Stelmach and Education Minister Dave Hancock have decided to begin to correct the mistake for which I, on behalf of our communities, have offered my sincere gratitude for.
Make no mistake; this announcement would not have happened had it not been for the heroic efforts of many of our friends and neighbours.
I would like to thank the Airdrie and Chestermere Council of School Councils, particularly Donna Pearce, Steve Goodall and Elizabeth Wolfe for their amazing lobbying and organizing efforts; the Rocky View School Board especially Sylvia Eggerer, Don Thomas and Bev Lapeare; both Mayor Peter Brown and Mayor Patricia Matthews as well as former Airdrie Mayor Linda Bruce; Airdrie City and Chestermere Town councils; our courageous local student advocate Leah Moore; and a host of other community members whose efforts were critical to getting the Province and premier to hear our voice.
It is my belief that outside of strong families, having a world-class education system is the most fundamental pillar of our province’s future economic and social prosperity.
That is why I am very excited with what is happening in our constituency’s education system.
This is a great victory for all of our residents. Obviously students, parents and teachers will greatly benefit from these new school spaces; but so too will our economy as businesses will find it easier to set up and find good employees, real estate values will increase, and healthy growth will continue to result in new jobs and welcome amenities in our communities.
The parents, students, teachers and all residents of Airdrie-Chestermere have been waiting and hoping for this day for a very long time.
Let’s enjoy the victory while redoubling our efforts to manage our overcrowded schools while these new schools are being built, and to deal with a lack of funding for the hiring of new teachers due to the mismanagement of the current government.
Needless to say, there is still much to do to make Alberta’s education system all it can be; and you have my promise that I will not stop advocating for a stronger education system on your behalf.
In closing, all I can say is thank-you to all of the constituents of Airdrie-Chestermere.
It is truly humbling to represent you, and I am amazed by what can be accomplished as a community when we work together towards a common goal, none more important than the education of our children.
