Public Education in Edmonton

“The primary function of a school board is to establish, with the involvement of the community, the policies by which the schools are to be administered.” How well is EPSB doing?

EPSB has asserted through its public relations firm that it has 30,000 surplus spaces for students. Most EPSB schools have less than 500 students. Given that there are are only a total of about 80,000 students enrolled at EPSB and there are plans to open 13 new Edmonton Public Schools in the next few years—the importance of planning with all stakeholders is at an all time high. On December 8, 2009 EPSB will debate and vote on a very timely motion: “That a working committee be created by the Board consisting of Trustees, City Councillors and MLAs to engage in tri-level discussions examining all possibilities related to school closures, school viability and any other related matters deemed appropriate by the committee.” Given the magnitude of the surplus space problem at EPSB, shouldn’t this have already taken place? There still is time.

A school district in B.C. shut down a local school. Now the parents are opening a new school with a focus on arts and B.C. children's literature. A local firms will teach about organic farming, sailing, water safety, and water sports. Yoga will form part of the physical education component.