Wednesday, April 27, 2011
At last night's Board meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to get public input regarding a proposed change in the school year calendar year that could see students starting school the Monday before Labour Day with an additional break in November.
Many members of the Board expressed they had been hearing from constituents that were both in favour and against the idea including some who proposed new ideas such as extending the spring break. "We're open to new ideas and this decision allows us to explore our options that would best serve students and their families," said Dave Colburn, Chair of the Board of Trustees. It is expected that a recommendation summarizing public input will go to the Board by fall of 2011 when a decision will be made about the 2012-13 school year calendar.
The Board also approved an important motion to join the advocacy efforts of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues and Edmonton Catholic School Board to advocate for lower speed limits in residential areas. "Lowering speed limits will create a safer environment for not just our children but the community." said Colburn.
The Board also reviewed preliminary budget for 2011-12 which shows a proposed balanced budget despite a $14 million dollar reduction in revenues. The preliminary budget focuses on minimizing impacts on students by having the bulk of the reductions achieved through efficiencies and budget reductions in central services. The preliminary budget will now go to schools and central services who will plan for the year ahead and Administration will bring forward the roll-up of proposed expenditure/staffing plans to the Board in May 2011. Further information about these agenda items are posted on the Board of Trustees section of Edmonton Public Schools' website (www.epsb.ca).
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Cheryl Oxford, Managing Director, Communications, 780-429-8282
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