Parent Engagement Meeting

On October 1, 2009, the Board of Trustees hosted a parent engagement meeting on budget reductions at St. Joseph High School. Approximately 150 people were there to discuss what they value most in education and what items we might consider trimming, if necessary. This meeting was held in response to the Alberta Government’s announcement that because of the provincial deficit, school districts are asked to reduce their budgets this year and in 2010.

Information on Budget Reductions for Parents

Situation
In late August, first quarter fiscal highlights were released by the Government of Alberta. They showed a deficit forecast for 2009/10 of $6.9 billion, an increase to the deficit of $2.2 billion from the April provincial budget. The deficit was due to lower natural gas prices, a higher Canadian dollar and other declining revenue. Below is information about the provincial budget and what it will mean for the education of children in Alberta.

• Read Information on Budget Reductions for Parents
  (Provincial Government Fiscal Information & How the Edmonton Catholic School District is Responding).

Questions and Responses to Process

Questions

With the recent Alberta Education proposed budget announcements for the 2010‐2011 school year and beyond:

1. As parents of students that attend Edmonton Catholic Schools, what are those things that you value the most ‐ what are the big rocks?
2. What areas would you suggest Edmonton Catholic Schools identify to address potential budget constraints?
3. Any further ideas about future educational directions in Edmonton Catholic Schools?

Responses

• Read Unedited Responses from Each of the 16 Groups
  (Most groups were comprised of participants from the same division - K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12).

Sample Letter

• Sample Letter to be used  for parent action to MLAs and/or the premier, the Minister of Education
  (This letter can be used as distributed or it can be changed to reflect the individual’s comments).