Skip to content

‘Primary responsibility is education of children’

I believe that schools serve as foundational institutions in communities across this province.

Dear Editor:

I believe that schools serve as foundational institutions in communities across this province. I recognize and appreciate the strong connection communities have with our local schools.

I also believe that we, as trustees, have a responsibility to work collaboratively with our elected municipal leaders, and members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

I pride myself on the positive working relationships I have built during my tenure as a public school trustee and continue to enjoy with my local and provincial colleagues, as together we serve the same constituents.

As a public school trustee, I have served the children, families, communities and staff of the Clearview School Division since April 2002.

In the Nov. 7 edition of the Stettler Independent, I was disappointed to see the following comments attributed to me:

“We are not here to save communities,” said trustee Patty Dittrick. “We are here to educate children.”

It was reported as a direct quote. However, it was not a direct quote, as it did not fully or accurately report that which I said at the board meeting.

I stated that as public school trustees, our primary responsibility is the education of children. That primary responsibility is the premise of my work as a public school trustee, as president of the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta and as a dedicated advocate for all students attending Clearview public schools.

It will continue to be my commitment to all of the children, staff, families and communities of the Clearview School Division.

I would hope that readers will consider attending our board meeting this Thursday at 2:30 p.m. That is when the board will debate the motion regarding the potential closure motion.

I look forward to the presentations and debate that I hope will send us in a direction of determining how to ensure our schools are viable in the long-term.

Patty Dittrick,

Trustee,

Clearview School Division

President, Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta