Several meetings aim to solve problems of overcrowded schools in Calgary
Posted Sep 24, 2019 6:59 am.
Last Updated Sep 24, 2019 8:42 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Some of Calgary’s newest high schools are already overcrowded, and the public school board is asking parents how to solve the problem.
A series of public meetings begin Tuesday night focusing on how to balance enrolment.
“We have four factors that we’re hoping that folks will come out and share their perspectives about,” said Carrie Edwards with the Calgary Board of Education. “Including the expansion and contraction of programs, boundaries, and where some programs are located, possible grade configurations, and what should we consider when we implement any changes.”
Tuesday’s meeting is one of twelve meetings to take place over the coming months.
Saif Kaiser reports from the CBE headquarters
The Calgary Board of Education is kicking off a first round of consultations tonight around high school class sizes and overcrowding. In-person meetings are fully booked, so parents will have to participate in online sessions if they haven't already signed up #yyc #edu @660NEWS pic.twitter.com/AB7XnWyy7W
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) September 24, 2019
One of the concerns brought forward is classroom space in the suburbs. The CBE said many students have to be bussed into the inner city because of overcrowded spaces.
Edwards admits while there’s an overall look at classroom sizes, some of the decisions will have to be made at the individual school level.
“We have some classes that will have a number of students in it. In terms of people-teacher ratio, that is something that the individual principals are responsible for in their schools when they’re allocating and employing staff.”
Edwards adds any decisions on balancing enrolment will likely take years to implement.
