Parents and residents will get an opportunity to share their vision of education as Clearview School Division will host a series of community consultations across its region this fall to develop a strategic plan.
Trustees and staff discussed the process at its planning and board meetings in August although no dates have been set.
“Our board of trustees highly values the input we receive from our school communities,” said Ken Checkel, who chairs the board.
“We are in partnership with you (parents) in providing excellent education for your children and in keeping our schools, a vital part of our communities.”
These consultations will form an important part of the strategic plan we will be developing as we look at meeting educational needs not only today, but also into the future.”
The division appeals to parents to watch for further information about the important meetings to be announced in communities.
-Schools under construction
Botha School and William E. Hay High School in Stettler remain construction zones and the school division requests patience from everyone affected by these disruptions.
“These projects, while creating challenges when ongoing, will provide superior facilities once work is completed and they will help Clearview continue to provide high quality programs for its students,” says a statement from the Clearview board.
“The board of trustees is very appreciative of the government funding that was designated to undertake these projects,” said Ken Checkel.
“We know that construction during the school year creates a number of challenges and thank parents, staff and students for their patience and cooperation while these projects are underway.”
Clearview is optimistic projects will not negatively impact students and the quality of learning.
“We have a very creative, talented and committed staff who routinely address challenges in innovative ways,” said Superintendent John Bailey.
“I have no doubt this will continue to be the case and our schools will continue to provide excellent learning and program opportunities for our students.”
“Flexibility, adaptability and patience are all characteristics that our staff, students and parents in Clearview routinely exhibit.”
“This and a positive attitude will help us not only get through the challenges posed by construction, but help our students excel this year.
-Transportation policy approved
At its regular board meeting Aug. 20, the board approved a revised policy regarding school catchment areas and school of choice busing.
The board also asked administration to provide information on the current catchment area boundaries so that they can review these during the 2009-2010 school year.
“The new policy was based on a lot of input from our communities and a thorough examination by the board,” said Checkel.
“Our board of trustees appreciates the input received from our communities on this topic and our commitment is to continue providing a safe and efficient transportation service to our families.”
-Government funding reduced
Clearview maintains that it remains committed to quality education despite funding cuts to education recently announced by the provincial government to reduce the projected provincial deficit.
“We heard what the minister had to say and will be able to say more once we have had an opportunity to discuss these items at our board meeting in September,” said Checkel after taking part in telephone conference call with Minister David Hancock on Aug. 27 to discuss the cuts..
“Our commitment to students remains a top priority and decisions made will reflect that commitment to delivering a high quality program to students in our schools,” said Checkel.
-Next board meeting Sept. 17
Clearview school board meets for its next regular board meeting on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. in the new office in Stettler at 5031 – 50 Street.