The NDP government has tabled School Act amendments after receiving first reading last Wednesday (November 15).

Bill 28 will see many changes to the School Act if proclaimed by the NDP government.

Banff- Cochrane MLA, Cameron Westhead, says the Bill is focused on increasing student success, ensuring equitable access to education and closing the gap between First Nations students and all other students in the province. "After a thorough review, the Minister of Education has decided to propose amendments to the School Act to better reflect what is in the best interests of current and future students. The School Act has served Alberta’s students well for almost three decades, and we are confident that—as a result of these amendments—it will continue to do so. The Minister of Education consulted with various stakeholders during board meetings over the past year, and Alberta Education consulted on proposed changes through-out September. If passed, these changes will make life better for all Alberta students."

Some key amendments being proposed are:

  • Professional Practice Standards for principals, superintendents, and certificate holding central office staff.
  • Establishment of Separate School Districts
  • Education Service Agreements
  • School Transportation: Cooperative Agreements
  • School Transportation: Walk Limit
  • Age of Entry
  • Trustee Code of Conduct

Besides changing the age of entry provincially to 5 years old by December 31 (effective 2020); Westhead states eligibility criteria regarding transportation will also be addressed. "The School Act contains an antiquated definition of students who are eligible to receive transportation as those residing more than 2.4 kilometers from their designated school. The 2.4 km reference—and how this distance is calculated-- would be removed from the School Act. In advance of the 2018/19 school year, updated eligibility criteria will be incorporated into the School Transportation Regulation. This is just the first step in reviewing transportation eligibility criteria across the province. We heard from stakeholders and parents that the walk limit was too far, and we’re now looking at ways to fix this problem. Our government is committed to working with our education partners to ensure that updated student transportation regulations address the concerns we’ve heard from parents."

Additionally, the Minister will have an increased influence on school boards by having the ability to examine and address situations- where it is reasonable to do so.

There are no more changes being proposed to the School Act and decisions regarding proclamation of the Education Act remain undecided at this time.

The Alberta government is thankful for the input, shares Westhead. "We thank everyone who participated in efforts related to the School Amendment Act. The input provided by stakeholders has been invaluable."

If passed, many amendments will become effective immediately while others will be implemented at a later date.

To read more on the proposed amendments go here.