Medicine Hat Public School Division draws around 100 parents to its second consultation meeting

Hensel delivered a presentation on Thursday that was similar to the one shared at the first meeting on Wednesday.

In the presentation, it was stated that the MHPSD has a mission “to provide an inclusive, progressive learning community through trust, courage, and collaboration.”

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READ: Medicine Hat Public School Division hears voices of families affected by possible school closures

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As explained in the presentation, a review involving Alberta Education and external architects examined aging infrastructure, declining birth rates, low enrollment in several schools, and the need for modernized learning spaces.

Hensel said the division must consider efficiencies, programming opportunities and government criteria as it plans for long-term facilities.

Following the presentation, families were asked to respond to questions in table discussions, with facilitators recording comments for a report that will go to the board ahead of a final decision.

The questions presented include:

What are some considerations you would like the school division to think about when making a decision on possible school amalgamation?
What might be some possible opportunities for students if schools are amalgamated?
What might be some possible challenges for students if schools are amalgamated?
What might be some supports students and families may need to make a smooth transition to a new school if amalgamation takes place?

Trustees were rotated among tables as families discussed their concerns.

Parents were asked to reflect on possible impacts, student transitions and potential opportunities if amalgamations occur.

The results of the table discussions were displayed on the walls for other participants to review.

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Jett Schwaier/Some ideas presented by the audience

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A parent, Ashley Ulrichsen, felt that the meeting didn’t give any answers as to what parents might have been expecting.

“Which is something I think a lot of us were hoping to have tonight,” Ulrichsen said.

Ulrichsen said however, it was nice that parents got to share opinions and feelings.

“I think it is a positive light that they’re giving parents the chance to put in their voice,” Ulrichsen said.

Another parent who attended the meeting, Matt Kennedy, questioned the timing of major decisions during broader political uncertainty.

“Why are we trying to make such big decisions when we have global issues on the table right now in parliament with the federal government?” Kennedy said.

“Let’s just let things simmer a little bit before jumping into such big decisions on our smaller communities.”

The board chair of trustees, Catherine Wilson, acknowledges the anxiety surrounding school closures and the concerns parents have.

“I think some things are still sort of uncertain for them,” Wilson said.

“A lot of the theme tonight is the children, and how this will be for transitioning children if we amalgamate schools,” she added.

“We will do whatever we can to make sure they [the children] do come first.”

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Public School Division draws around 100 parents to its second consultation meeting

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