Morinville reader accuses Education Minister Dave Hancock of breaking promises
Dear Minister Hancock;
First of all, I must state that I am outraged about this ongoing issue in Morinville. The fact that this has gone on so long is beyond my comprehension. We were told repeatedly by yourself and your staff that we needed to be patient, and that a solution would be in place by September.
After meeting with Sturgeon School Division, it is obvious that is not going to be the case. We were promised modulars to set up our new school, only to find out yesterday that the offer for the modulars has been withdrawn. I understand there is a shortage of modulars, however, we were clearly told back in June that there would be no problem getting modulars built and in place for September 1.
Since that time, we have been working very hard to promote our new school, by being in the town parade, putting up flyers, telling everyone we knew about this, and most of all telling our children and getting them on board with the idea of a new school. By putting ourselves out there the way that we have done, we have encountered a great deal of negativity from the community, something that is completely unacceptable. Your lack of action is creating a rift in this community, and you need to act now.
As a mother, my primary interest is to protect my son. I was nervous at first about moving him to a new school, but in speaking with him I knew this was the right choice for my family. My son was very excited about his new school, and told everyone he talked to that he couldn’t wait for it. I would like for YOU to explain to my son, who is in tears over this, why you are not making this happen.
Once again, we are social outcasts by being removed from our own community so that our children can get the education they are entitled to. This is exactly what GSACRD wanted from day one. They have always offered busing, and now this is precisely what is being offered to us.
You said that we have a right to a public education in our own community without Catholic permeation. Now, please explain to me why this right is no longer there? How is it possible that a right that every Canadian child has is no longer applicable to my child?
The time to act is now. We are running out of time for our children for this fall. We need an acceptable option that does not include only busing for September t. It is clear that you have a responsibility to make GSACRD act like the public school board that they are, or remove that right from them immediately.
Tannis Caverly
Morinville, AB
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