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Parents plead for classroom space

Hundreds of parents, politicians, teachers and school board representatives came to City Hall on June 24 for a forum regarding the school space crisis in Airdrie.
Airdrie students protest the lack of space in local schools outside of City Hall after the Airdrie Council of School Councils Forum, June 24.
Airdrie students protest the lack of space in local schools outside of City Hall after the Airdrie Council of School Councils Forum, June 24.

Hundreds of parents, politicians, teachers and school board representatives came to City Hall on June 24 for a forum regarding the school space crisis in Airdrie.

The forum was organized by the Airdrie Council of School Councils with the goal of getting more schools built in Airdrie.

Minister of Infrastructure Ray Danyluk, Deputy Premier Doug Horner, Deputy Minister of Education Keray Henke, Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson and Airdrie Mayor Linda Bruce were just some of the politicians who attended the meeting to listen to parents’ concerns.

“For years, we have watched community leaders try to stress our desperate need for schools,” said Donna Pearce, chair of the Airdrie Council of School Councils, a group of representatives from the 10 public schools in Airdrie.

“On June 7, we came together and decided it was time for Airdrie residents to help them understand.”

Airdrie is the fastest growing community in Canada and no new schools have been approved for the city since 2003. A quarter of Airdrie’s population is between the ages of five and 18. The optimal utilization rate for schools is 85 per cent, according to Alberta Education. In Airdrie, every school will be at over 100 per cent capacity before the end of 2010/11.

“I must commend school administrators and teachers for their creativity,” said Gerry Papararo, chair of Nose Creek Elementary council.

“They have converted music rooms, libraries, gymnasiums, cafeterias and other spaces into classrooms. However, after 2010, there will be kids in staff rooms and hallways. We will get to a point where there is nowhere else to put them. We will get to a point where we say, “This is not acceptable, our children deserve more.’”

Steve Goodall of the Ralph McCall School council said students are very resilient and adaptable but it is parents’ job to be their voice.

One Muriel Clayton Middle School Grade 7 student found her own voice and started a petition to get more schools for Airdrie.

“(The space shortage) is impacting teachers and students,” said Leah Moore.

“It stresses the teachers out if they have too many students in their classrooms and can’t get to them all and it impacts our learning if teachers can’t get to us fast enough. That is why I made a petition and I hope to get 4,000 signatures.”

Nicky Addo-Bond, chair of Muriel Clayton Middle and George McDougall High School councils, urged parents to call and email local politicians to convince them to see Airdrie as a priority.

“Airdrie is the kind of community that will get together and do great things when needed,” she said.

“Help the elected officials become aware of the severe need in Airdrie. When the government hears that a city is working together for the betterment of the whole community, they will sit down and listen.”

Danyluk said the Provincial government is aware of the need in Airdrie and is doing what it can to get more classroom space in the city.

“This is what this is all about, listening, understanding and partnerships,” he said.

“Our premier very much believes education and schools are a top priority. Our first priority is a school here in Airdrie, we are working on it right now. Does it take a bit of time? Of course it does. Let’s face it, the government doesn’t move at light speed.”

Danyluk said private/public partnerships are allowing schools to be built faster and more cost effectively and the government is looking into such partnerships for the Airdrie area.

In the meantime, Rocky View Schools will sell a building they own and the funds raised from the sale will be used to purchase portables to add onto schools to create more space. Currently, 32 per cent of K-8 students in the division are educated in portable classrooms. The Rocky View Schools board of trustees has been asking the Province for a new middle school in Sagewood in Airdrie for four years.

“It is amazing how fast the city is growing and I agree there has been a tremendous amount of pressure on infrastructure,” said Horner.

“Airdrie has the highest growth I’ve seen and that’s why I’m here, that’s why the premier is taking this so seriously. There has been a tremendous influx of folks in Alberta and we have to catch up. We have learned from parents that there is a critical need here. We need to put a plan together to get the infrastructure in as soon as possible.”

Bruce was optimistic that a new school will be approved for Airdrie soon.

“I was really glad that the ministers could come,” she said.

“The more politicians going back to the legislature to bring our message and our passion back, the better. They came out to listen and that’s big - a school for Airdrie will be in the next package, absolutely.”

Anderson said he thought it was critical that the ministers heard the parents’ message.

“They needed the opportunity to see the frustration and understand it,” he said.

“The best part of the night for me was hearing we may be on a priority list. I am optimistic because I sure hope they wouldn’t play politics with our kids.”

For more information on the Airdrie Council of School Councils or to sign the petition, visit www.airdrieschools.wordpress.com or stop by Nose Creek Park on Canada Day, July1.


Airdrie Today Staff

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