Tuesday, June 15, 2010
EDMONTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS' PUBLIC FORUM... JOIN THE CONVERSATION
On Saturday, June 19, a community forum to talk about excess school space in Edmonton Public Schools will take place at Victoria School, 10210 - 108 Avenue from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
At the forum, participants will be asked to discuss what is working well in their area schools, what can be improved and to share their ideas, issues and concerns about school space specific to schools in the Central Sector. Two forums were held earlier to discuss the West 1 and South Central sectors. The information captured at the forums will be used to form the foundation for the public meetings that will take place in the fall, when the future of the schools in the three sectors will be discussed. (See backgrounder for a list of the sectors and the schools being reviewed.)
By providing opportunities to engage parents, community members and other interested stakeholders in these conversations, Edmonton Public Schools is providing an open and accountable process that will allow those involved to share what is important to them. The community forums and public engagement processes will help to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges of having more school space than is required to meet the needs of our students.
"Our priority is to ensure students have access to high quality education within their communities," says Edgar Schmidt, Superintendent of Edmonton Public Schools. "By looking at our schools in sectors rather than individual schools, we are trying to make sure that within each sector there are a range of viable public schools that serve student needs."
Change is coming to the three sectors and it's important to hear from the people who will be impacted by the possible closure or change in programming of a school. It is far too early to say how many schools might close, or what programs might be moved or introduced. This is the work of the reviews, which is why the community's input in the review process is so important.
For further information, contact:
Cheryl Oxford, Managing Director
Communications
780-429-8043
780-937-7859 (Cell)
What are Sector Reviews?
The sector review process was developed by the Board of Trustees of Edmonton Public Schools with parent and community input. The goal of the sector review process is to make the best possible use of district resources so that students in all areas of the city have access to vibrant schools and a range of programming opportunities.
The sector review approach is designed to ensure that the entire city as reviewed in a systematic way over the next few years, sector by sector. Edmonton Public Schools has divided the city into nine geographic sectors of schools that provide Kindergarten to Grade 9 programming.
The reviews are essential because Edmonton Public Schools has more school space than required for the student population we serve. Currently, there are more than 30,000 excess student spaces. The money required to heat, light and clean this unused space takes resources away from supporting student learning, such as having a dedicated school librarian or music teacher. We receive our funding based on our student enrolment, not on the number of our buildings.
The District is preparing to review schools in the Central, South Central and West 1 sectors. Until December 2010, there will be opportunities for people to discuss the possibilities and challenges of school space. An external consulting firm, Dialogue Partners Inc., has implemented the public engagement program to help all stakeholders (including staff and decision makers) engage in a productive discussion. Up to date information is available at http://sectorreview2010.com and on the District website at www.epsb.ca.
Central, South Central and West 1 sectors.
| West 1 | Central | South Central |
|
Afton Brightview Britannia Coronation Crestwood Dovercourt Elmwood Glendale Glenora Grovenor Hillcrest James Gibbons Laurier Heights Lynnwood Mayfield Meadowlark Parkview Patricia Heights Rio Terrace Sherwood Stratford Westlawn Westminster Youngstown |
Athlone Balwin Belvedere Calder Delwood Glengarry Inglewood Kensington Killarney Lauderdale McArthur Mee-Yah-Noh Oliver Prince Charles Princeton Riverdale Rosslyn Scott Robertson Westglen Westmount |
Allendale Avalon Avonmore Belgravia Clara Tyner Donnan Forest Heights Garneau Grandview Heights Hazeldean Holyrood Kenilworth King Edward Academy at King Edward Lansdowne Lendrum Malmo McKee McKernan Mill Creek Mount Pleasant Ottewell Parkallen Queen Alexandra Rutherford Waverley Windsor Park |
Edmonton Public Schools is helping to shape the future in every one of our classrooms. We’re focused on ensuring each student learns to their full potential and develops the ability, passion and imagination to pursue their dreams and contribute to their community.
Edmonton Public Schools
Centre for Education
1 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 4G9