Media Releases

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Board pleased with District's efforts to support and celebrate multiculturalism in schools

At last night's board meeting, the Board of Trustees expressed their appreciation for the District's efforts in implementing the Board's Multicultural Education policy and accompanying regulation, which were approved in 2009. These efforts include ongoing school celebrations that embrace diversity, an increased amount of translated educational materials available for families, and enhanced staff capacity to address the diverse needs of newcomers and English Language Learners.

"The Board is committed to supporting the needs of our fast growing multicultural population, including our 12,000 English Language Learners," said Board Chair Dave Colburn. "We are proud that our District supports the rich diversity in our schools and our Board will continue to ensure that all students and their families are welcomed and provided with supports for student success."

Other highlights from the meeting include:

  • Approval of the Board's policy for the District Use of Community Buildings, which will now exclude publicly traded companies providing day care and early education and require all organizations leasing or licensing space to provide evidence of recognized, acceptable, social and ethical standards through policies, practices and procedures.
  • Interim Information Report from the Board's Special Needs Task Force, which included a summary of themes from consultations with over 500 individuals.

Further information about these agenda items is posted on the Board of Trustees' section of Edmonton Public Schools' website (www.epsb.ca).

Media contact:
Cheryl Oxford, Managing Director, Communications
780-429-8282 (new media relations line for Edmonton Public Schools)