30 2017 ELECTION PREVIEW


Deborah Forbes


1 Yes, because as we write in the background statement of the policy, all members of


the school community (students, staff, families) have the right to work and learn in an environment free of discrimination, prejudice, and harassment. I would go a step farther and say we should celebrate diversity in our amazing species. Human beings come in all shapes and sizes – every fur and feather! Every human being has the right to respect, dignity, and privacy. Every human being has a right to learn in a safe and caring environment.


2


Medicine Hat SD76 does not have a bus transportation deficit. So far, we have managed our transportation system very responsibly even though we have not received any increases from the province in a while. The carbon tax and a long-term contract with our carrier that includes increases over time could, however, put stresses on the transportation budget in future.


3


Every, and I mean every child, has a right to learn. It is my job as a trustee to balance all my decisions on this fulcrum. AB Education has based Inclusion on six principles:


• Supporting diversity and learner differences • Having high expectations for all learners • Understanding learners’ strengths and needs • Reduce barriers within learning environments


• Building capacity with school leaders, teachers, education professionals, families and community partners


• Sharing responsibility so that all education partners, including school and jurisdictional staff, families, community service providers, post-secondary institutions, teacher preparation programs and government are committed to collaboration and are committed to the success of all learners.


These are loſty principles and we will never be doing this perfectly. As a trustee, I must contribute to Board decisions that keep trying to do this better and better. Children have not been made with a cookie-cutter, thank goodness!


For the best election coverage read the Medicine Hat News


or online at www.medicinehatnews.com 3 2


Terry Riley


1 Yes, I support Policy 622. 1. It is the right thing to do. These students face extreme social and psychological


challenges. They have high drop-out, poverty, and incarceration rates, and short life expectancy. If we can provide support and protection which helps them get a better start in life, it will benefit them and all society.


2. The Alberta Bill of Rights, Canadian Charter of Rights, School Act, Protection of Privacy Act, and Child Welfare Act, require that these students must be provided this protection. As trustees we have sworn an oath to uphold these laws. Elected officials should uphold the law, not defy it.


3. We have amended this policy to provide as much parental notification as the law allows.


4. Overwhelmingly our School Councils have supported this policy. These School Councils are the cornerstone of our parent consultation and policy making process.


Until now, our Public School District has not run a deficit for transportation because of efficiency and good planning. However, regulations imposed by the minister may change this. Currently the grants cover only students who live further than 2.4 km from their school. Our district covers the cost for students who are more than 1.2 km but less than 2.4 km, for all programs, even programs of choice. Should these new restrictions further reduce transportation grants, we may have to take steps to enhance revenue or reduce costs at the local level. This should only be done aſter considerable analysis and consultation. Such steps may include but limited to:


1. Increasing distance for free busing, from 1.2 km to the provincially funded level of 2.4 km. 2. Charging fees for transportation for programs of choice


3. Diverting funds from another programs. All choices involve sacrifice of some current service to students.


Under the Canada Act 1867, the province has exclusive right to pass legislation for Education. In Alberta the province legislation has leſt considerable autonomy to local boards, which include the right to:


1. Establish policy so long as it does not conflict with or contradict legislation or ministerial order.


2. Hire your chief executive officers and other executive officers. 3. Set the budget within the prescriptions of the law to meet student needs. 4. Set the Code of conduct for Trustees, employees parents and students within schools. 5. Set the school year. 6. Establish procedures to set the physical and social environment in schools. 7. Create local programs of study so long as they are subsequently approved by the Minister.


8. Establish an inclusive, respectful learning environment which makes all students feel welcome.


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