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Carolyn Freeman


1 Absolutely ... “All” includes everyone, and everyone matters! Every student has the right to an education in a safe, caring, welcoming and respectful learning environment. As


Trustees, it is our responsibility to ensure that this happens in our schools while upholding the provisions of the law. Each jurisdiction was given a clear mandate to create policies that protect and include LGBTQ students. The direction was to recognize and respect that all students with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions: — are treated with dignity and respect; — have the right to be open about who they are, without fear of unwanted consequences; — have the right to privacy and confidentiality


I am proud of how our Board reviewed these provisions and built a policy that, while respecting the spirit of the government directives, was mindful of local sensitivities. As always, our decision put “children first” and recognized them as part of the “ALL.”


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Although government funding for transportation has not increased since 2014, MHPSD has NOT shown a deficit in this area nor is it anticipating one in the 2017-18 budget. The District is also in a unique position in that no busing fees are charged to families using the service. However, given the increased costs, carbon tax and frozen government funds, there may be a time in the future when a surplus or zero budget is no longer the norm. At that time, we will need to address the specific areas of concern and options will need to be considered to maintain the present level of service.


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The role of Trustee is one of service and governance. In accordance with District policies, the direction of the Board is to “provide an education system that is organized and operated in the best interests of all students it serves. It exercises this responsibility through the setting of clear strategic direction and the wise use of resources.” Additionally, it is the responsibility of the Board to be involved in the guidance of policy development, revision and monitoring to support all learners – including those with exceptional needs.


Classroom dynamics are becoming increasingly complex. MHPSD is very aware that in order for inclusive education to be successful, supports must be in place for both staff and students. Therefore, District goals have been identified to address inclusive and innovative learning opportunities while ensuring a culture of wellness for all. Trustees have a voice in this goal-setting process. Effective and ongoing communication is essential.


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Aaron Myradon


I am in support of policy 622, as I feel it


strikes at the necessity of public schools being welcoming and safe places for all


students. There is a point where we advocate in our own best interests and understand the consequences of our choices. It is unreasonable to assume that a teacher better understands the nuances of a family than the child who lives in it. Further, I have a deep ethical issue with schools collecting information of this nature, including a child's sexual orientation as much as I would their race or religion. Some matters should not be part of public record as students have a right to respectful privacy and autonomy.


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Rick


Massini 1 Yes, I support Policy 622 and I also support the Administrative Procedures that accompany the


policy. Not only is the policy consistent with current legislation, charters and Ministerial Order, it gives direction for the correct, responsible and respectful thing to do. Ethical citizenship is “doing the right thing just because it is the right thing to do.” If we are to teach our students about “ethical citizenship” then we ought to model it in our actions.


It is incumbent upon a School Division to ensure all students have a safe, caring and welcoming environment in which to attend school and in which to learn. It falls upon the Board of Trustees to develop policy that provides this environment. Further, the Board must oversee that policies are implemented in accordance with Administrative Procedures that are consistent with the intent of the policies.


In the past, due to careful planning and maximizing efficiencies, the District’s transportation grants exceeded the actual costs of providing the basic transportation services. As such, the District was able to extend transportation services to programs and schools of choice such as French Immersion, Special Education and to schools offering unique or specialized programs. More recently, the grants and the costs have equalized. While the District is not yet in deficit with respect to transportation, there are fewer resources available to continue to provide the extra services. The District may need to reconsider providing these extra services at no cost.


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The Board is responsible for all Board policy, so trustees play a major role in determining the direction, intent and substance of the policies. The Board gives final approval of policy through formal resolution.


Board Policy 620 states, “Inclusion is about ensuring that each student belongs and receives a quality education, regardless of their ability, language, cultural background, gender or age.”


I fully support the principles of inclusion; that all students have unique requirements for optimal learning, that segregation creates its own complications, that children need a full spectrum of learning opportunities and that they need to work with students who are more advanced some of the time, with their peers some of the time and with those who need a little more help some of the time.


The province has moved to provide an increase in funding to Alberta students who utilize public transit. Given the


challenges of meeting budget goals with the current system, I want to see closer co-operation with the City of Medicine Hat in developing a transit plan that serves students better. With a city as large as ours, the municipal bus system should be able to carry more passengers. Better communication of our students needs with the city would be ideal. Certainly a student in high school should be able to use a city bus to get to school, and I would welcome that conversation.


Alberta has a remarkably warm and neighbourly spirit, and I am pleased with the supports I have seen extended to students with special needs. As those situations are guided by the student’s needs and the staff and support available to school administration, those matters will oſten be satisfied without my direct involvement as a trustee. More important is the tone and policy the board has, and our commitment to respecting the rights and abilities of all students, and ensuring every child in Medicine Hat has access to a leading education.


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