To encourage choice within public education, we are now working with Brad Clark, MPP, Stoney Creek, and Ted Arnott, MPP Waterloo and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, to achieve government assistance in the form of a clarification to the Education Act. Statute 171(1) - Powers of the Board, paragraph 7 states, "...schools have the authority to determine the numbers and kinds of schools." We are asking the government to clarify the term " kinds of schools." We have suggested that the government consider the wording found in Section 16 of the Alberta School Act. This section clearly defines what is allowable within the Alberta public school system: schools based on subject emphasis (science, arts, sports); language (German, Chinese, native language, etc.); cultural and religious (Christian, Muslim, etc.) differences, or teaching method (traditional, Montessori, learning style, etc.). A Regulation change or Policy Memorandum clarifying this area of the Education Act would greatly assist all Boards seeking to provide alternative programming that reflects the needs of the community. Mr. Clark was very encouraged by the School Board's willingness to listen to the community and is working with us to establish the needed Regulation changes.

If you are on our PACE list, please watch your email closely in the event we need to announce an Action Plan. Other MPP's in the province may need to hear from their constituents about their desire for the government to open the way for "choice in education" as well. We need more than one MPP recognizing the need, and asking the Ministry of Education for this clarification.

Yours in service to the children of our community,
Phil Lees, Director
Gloria Turner, Director

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