Rocky View Schools (RVS) is inviting residents of Kathyrn, Irricana, Beiseker and the surrounding rural areas to discuss the continued delivery of educational programs at Kathryn School and Beiseker Community School through a student accommodation consultation, running from Jan. 22 to March 19, 2020.
“Enrolments at Kathyrn School have been steady for the last four years, though not strong,” said Director of Facility Planning Colette Winter. “Kathryn School has a 52 per cent utilization rate, which is not expected to increase unless accommodation changes are made. Enrolments also have been decreasing at Beiseker Community School, yet the school is still at a reasonable 79 per cent utilization rate. Our goal is to set up both schools for future success.”
At the consultations, RVS staff will discuss the possibility of adjusting attendance areas and/or grade structures of the schools. Prior to any decisions being made, Winter said, it is important RVS trustees hear from the families who could be impacted by these decisions.
According to Winter, a public meeting is planned for Jan. 22, 2020, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Kathyrn School. At the meeting, RVS will share information on enrolment, school capacity trends and possible accommodation changes, before engaging participants in a roundtable discussion to hear their thoughts on the presentation.
Time also has been reserved at the Board of Trustees' public meeting Feb. 6, 2020 to hear delegations from residents impacted by any proposed changes. Residents who are unable to attend the meeting are invited to provide a written submission by Jan. 31, 2020.
The Board of Trustees will deliberate its decision on possible accommodation changes for the schools and/or rural residents of East Lake and Chestermere middle schools on March 19, 2019. A notice will be issued to all stakeholders regarding the decision following the adjournment of the public meeting.
“Based on voices from the community, we are moving forward with a review of these schools’ attendance boundaries,” said Board Chair Fiona Gilbert. “We would ask that residents in these communities help promote this consultation to ensure many voices are brought to the table before trustees deliberate their decision.”
The consultation process, meeting resources and further communications will be posted to RVS’ homepage, rockyview.ab.ca, under 2019/20 Student Accommodation Consultations.
