Re: Layoffs hurt students, Gazette’s Your Views, July 25 – I am in full agreement with her.
I have been a proud resident of St. Albert for nearly 40 years and a taxpayer to the Catholic division.
The recent layoffs of educational assistants is very disturbing. I attended the June 29 board meeting regarding the budget for the 2015-16 school year. A question was asked by an individual about the re-hiring of support staff in light of the Notley government’s decision to restore funding to the education ministry. This individual was told by the chair of the board that the trustees do not get involved in matters in minute detail.
Really? I don’t consider the lives affected by these cuts a ‘minute detail.’
Educational assistants are a dedicated group who are strong advocates for all children, and in particular those with special needs. They are an integral part of a classroom team, and make it their job, along with the teachers, to make sure that every child, no matter their challenges, have their needs met.
At the June 29 board meeting I also expressed my opinion and concern that this division was top-heavy with declining student enrolment over the past years. My question was shy do we need superintendents? The money allocated by the municipality and the province could be better utilized staffing the classroom properly.
The board would not answer or even entertain the notion to question.
So, with the new school year fast approaching, I would urge the taxpayers and especially the parents of this division, to ask questions and to let the Greater St. Albert Catholic Board know these cuts of essential employees are unacceptable.
W. Macrae, St. Albert
