Parents and educators in the St. Albert area went online earlier this month to discuss their concerns about provincial cuts to education and what that means for staff layoffs, less money for students with complex needs, charter schools and the reintroduction of bus fees.
Close to 50 people tuned in to an online town hall on June 11 hosted by St. Albert MLA Marie Renaud. The NDP politician and legislative representative for the St. Albert constituency held the interactive meeting on the virtual platform Zoom.
“I wanted to listen to what people had to say. There have been so many changes these past few months, and in part because of COVID, people have become disconnected. There hasn’t been much interaction with teachers and children and I wanted to listen to people’s specific concerns,” said Renaud.
The one-hour meeting started with a brief opening statement by Renaud on the massive budget-tightening schools are undertaking this year. She noted St. Albert’s two main school divisions are faced with a combined reduction of more than $5 million this year, while Sturgeon Public is looking at an $8-million reduction over three years.
One of her greatest concerns was the 300 support staff including education assistants and therapists who were slashed from next year’s payroll.
“Thousands of students have lost a life-line. We’ve lost mental health psychologists that provide necessary support. They were stretched thin working between multiple locations. To lose that important resource, I worry about the long term implications,” Renaud stated.
Although the meeting’s tone was controlled, caller concerns were tinged with undercurrents of anger, frustration and desperation.
One mother said she faces a triple hit and her frustration was directed at cuts to PUF (Program Unit Funding) for children with special needs. Her daughter is diagnosed with ADHD and in the 2020-21 school season, she will be placed in a class of 27 students without an education assistant.
“She’s not receiving the support she needs,” said the mother, who is concerned her daughter will face more difficulties in learning and may fall through the cracks.
In addition, the single mother is currently unemployed and worries about the reintroduction of bus fees. Although she currently receives income support through Employment Insurance, her question is, “But where are we supposed to find jobs when everyone is laid off?”
Renaud said children with disabilities are losing ground and it is important to amplify their message.
“I hope decision-makers will see the people and maybe they will go on pause.”
Marty McKeever, a French language arts and social teacher at Paul Kane, discussed the high levels of stress causing mental health issues for both teachers and students.
“We’re shedding teachers, support staff and psychologists at a time when we should be increasing them,” said McKeever.
Mike Marano, a teacher at Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary School, stated his school is receiving $600 less per student.
“In my division, we’re losing 30 teachers,” he said, explaining that during layoffs, usually the youngest teachers with the least seniority are let go first.
“We are losing that youthful energy. We are losing that talent. We are losing, and these cuts penalize growing districts.”
