A “clear and impartial survey” will be taken of parents in Morinville to determine how many would be interested in a secular education program, according to a letter Donna Hunter received from Education Minister Dave Hancock Thursday.
In December, Hunter formally requested the Greater St. Albert Regional Division (GSCARD) board provide a non-faith based program in Morinville, where it operates all four schools.
Hancock’s letter was sent one day after a 90-minute meeting between himself and representatives from the board to discuss secular education options.
After the meeting, board chair Lauri-Ann Turnbull said the board had discussed the options it presented to Hunter in January after her request for a secular program was unanimously opposed.
“We did look at the original seven options as well as some others as we were looking at how we might go forward in the future with some short, medium and long-term goals,” Turnbull said Wednesday.
“The minister was very good and we have to say that he has offered his assistance if we need it in the future to help us provide or get access to a secular choice for parents.”
According to Hancock’s letter, the Catholic school board made three commitments during Wednesday’s meeting.
“First, they will ensure that a clear and impartial survey is taken of parents in Morinville to determine the extent of interest in secular education,” Hancock wrote.
He said the board also committed to meeting with parents at the “earliest possible opportunity” to discuss the matter further.
Hancock said the board will also be meeting with representatives from the Sturgeon School Division to discuss the possibility of offering a secular program within the boundaries of Morinville.
“After these steps are taken, we will be in a better position to assess how GSACRD will meet their obligation,” wrote Hancock.
He emphasized that, “the law is quite clear that the rights and privileges of the GSACRD board are no different than those of any other public school board.”
Hancock said the issue was not whether parents and children and Morinville had a right to secular education, but how this education should be provided.
Depending on the number of students enrolled in the program, the board’s options vary considerably, said Hancock. “The board indicated they understand their obligation,” he wrote.
Hunter said she was very happy to receive the minister’s letter.
“Yes, a survey must be done. It should have been done two months ago. They should have come back in January when I made the formal request,” Hunter said Friday.
She said she had been in discussions with Sturgeon School Division for the past few months to create an alternative secular program in Morinville.
“In this letter, it actually names Sturgeon School Division as a possible part of the solution. That is very intriguing. What does that mean?” said Hunter.
Hunter said she would be open to have the Sturgeon School Division provide a secular program in Morinville.
“I’m totally OK with that if we are residents of Sturgeon School Division.”
