Parents of Stettler students packed a classroom last week to question Clearview School Division proposals to cut teachers.
“Stettler schools haven’t cut teachers in many years,” even as enrolment declined, countered superintendent John Bailey.
Bailey was among those who addressed the latest “community consultation” session, which attracted about 100 people to the Stettler Elementary School music/drama room last Wednesday.
As the board continues to draft a budget for 2013-14, the latest document proposes that Clearview cut 7.5 teaching positions, with 6.650 of those from the Stettler campus alone.
That would see William E. Hay Composite High School lose 3.7 teachers, Stettler Elementary School trim two and Stettler Middle School shave .950 positions as a way to decrease the $1-million deficit and cope with reduced funding from the provincial government and declining enrolment in the division.
Other cuts of under 1.0 teachers are proposed for Botha, Byemoor and Donalda.
“Everyone is sharing in the cuts,” said Bailey, who noted that the central office has trimmed operations to essential staff and services.
Some parents believe Stettler would suffer the most.
“This will decimate our schools,” said parent Cheryl Van Dusen, who drew applause from the crowd.
“I do not want to see too many cuts.”
At least one trustee, however, contended that the quality of education wouldn’t change with fewer teachers.
“Are students getting good and broad education here?” asked trustee Karen Holloway of Castor.
“I think they do and I don’t think it will be less next year. It’s not that we’re against Stettler. We are concerned about Stettler as much as the whole division.”
Trustees representing rural schools in Stettler echoed they support and value schools at the Stettler campus.
“We have to work together to stand together as communities and schools,” said Ken Checkel, who chairs the board and represents the Coronation area.
While the issue has created some rift between Stettler and rural schools, a retired Stettler teacher also earned applause as she urged everyone to work together.
“We don’t want to pit one community against another,” Barbara Goodwin said.
“We are all one staff and one community. The bottom line is students.”
With class sizes projected to increase slightly, one high school student wasn’t concerned about more students in the classroom.