I opposed the motion. Since the option was presented in closed session, and all discussion of the option occurred in closed session, I am embargoed from sharing the details with the public. But perhaps the fact I voted against it says it all.

There are in fact many renewal initiatives, quite apart from facilities and the school size/closure debate, we can all support. The successful establishment and growth of the Adult Campus, which started in 2005 with two teachers and less than 40 students and which now boasts 11 teachers and 370 students, is a case in point.  Designed to recapture students who had dropped out and were reluctant to join the “kids” in high schools, the Adult Campus has flourished. Now students have to be turned away and we have to look for ways to expand capacity. Personally I think we need to move toward a central facility of 500, with possible satellite facilities at other sites in the city. Now this is what I call a “renewal” of public education – regaining those who had given up and fallen through the cracks.

Then there are the plans for a Trades and Skills Centre to bring relevant skills and trades education to our young people. This facility will build on Regina Public Schools’ already existing success stories including Thom’s Carpentry Apprenticeship Program, Martin’s “Bricks and Mortar” Program, and Cochrane’s work experience program. This is another example of meaningful, in depth “renewal” of public education in the city.

Rather than a so-called “renewal” plan that involves the public execution of many schools, Regina Public Schools would be better advised to develop a 10-year plan to reduce class size with a goal of an average of 10 in grade K to 2, an average of 15 in grades 3 to 8, and an average of 15 to 20 in grades 9 to 12. To do this we would need to ensure we retain sufficient classroom capacity in the system. The opportunity for a systematic move to smaller classes across the system would be prevented by the closure of many schools.

Obviously “renewal” can have many meanings. For some, it means closing schools and saving money. For me “renewal” means enhancing the educational experiences, opportunities and outcomes for the children. The first question must be: “What is in the best interests of the children?” For me, it also means saving our small neighbourhood schools and adopting the recent evidence that informs us that smaller schools contribute to superior educational, social and psychological outcomes in children. Smaller schools are also better for community identity and cohesion. You can choose your bottom lines. You can go with the conservative business lobby’s bottom line, and cut and chop expenditures in order to decrease taxes. Or you can go with the children and invest the funds needed to secure their futures and our futures. The choice is obvious.

Comments

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!