Last updated: Feb. 10, 2017
Background:
- Ministik families were notified about the Dec. 15, 2016 approved motion to consider the possible closure and planned public meetings with a letter sent home on Jan. 23, 2017.
- Ministik residents were also sent a letter regarding the approved motion to consider the possible closure of Ministik School and planned public meetings with a letter sent home on Jan. 23, 2017.
- Meeting notices were also published in the Sherwood Park News, posted in locations around the community and at Ardrossan Elementary, Fultonvale, Uncas, Wye and Ministik schools.
Last updated: Jan. 16, 2017
When will the public meetings take place?
Public meetings will be held on February 7 and February 15 at Ministik School (21246 Highway 14, Sherwood Park)
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. each night. Free childcare will be provided on site.
What will take place at these meetings?
The purpose of the meetings is to share information regarding the possible closure of Ministik School. Parents, guardians and community members are encouraged to attend to learn about what is being considered, ask questions and provide feedback.
There will a large group presentation in the gymnasium followed by breakout sessions dealing with specific topics. During these sessions, information will be shared by representatives from various EIPS departments, and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
At this time, the breakout sessions will include the following:
- Transportation
- Learning/educational matters
- Infrastructure
- Other (topics not covered in the other three sessions)
When will a comprehensive package of information be provided to parents/guardians of Ministik students and other members of the public?
Printed copies of a comprehensive package of information are currently being prepared and will be sent home with Ministik students to parents/guardians on Monday, January 23. Members of the public will be able to access the package online after Jan. 23.
How can I provide feedback if I’m unable to attend the meetings?
An online submission form will be posted once the package has been released to the public. You can also send written correspondence for the Board's consideration to:
Board of Trustees
EIPS Central Administration Building
683 Wye Road
Sherwood Park AB T8B 1N2
or send an email to Dave Antymniuk, the Division Principal.
Last updated: Dec. 20, 2016
When will a final decision be made?
Once the Board has completed its review of all documentation and submissions, and has contemplated all of the factors carefully, a motion to either proceed with the closure or keep Ministik School open will be put forward at a future Board meeting.
Was the motion to consider closing Ministik School approved or defeated at the Dec. 15, 2016 meeting?
At the Dec. 15, 2016 Board meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the motion to consider the closure of Ministik School. The motion to consider the closure of the school now triggers the start of the process outlined in Board Policy 15, Program Reduction and School Closure; and in the Province of Alberta, School Act, Regulation 238/97, Closure of Schools Regulation.
What will this process involve?
Administration will be sending out a comprehensive package of information to the parents/guardians of Ministik students so they know exactly what will be considered by the Board.
Part of the process will include a meeting or meetings with the public. Information regarding the date, time and location will be provided in a number of ways and in a number of different places. The Division and school websites will also provide all the information about any public meeting.
Once the Board has completed its review of all documentation and submissions, and has contemplated all of the factors carefully, a motion to either proceed with the closure or keep Ministik School open will be put forward at a future Board meeting.
The school community will be able to view all information on the EIPS website, which will be updated in a timely manner throughout this process. We are committed to making the process as fair and transparent as possible.
How long will this process take?
The date has not yet been set when the motion to close or keep open Ministik School will come forward to the Board. However, the process outlined in provincial legislation and EIPS’ policies and procedures prescribes two time limits that must be followed:
- The final decision cannot take place until at least three weeks has passed after the initial motion to consider a school closure is passed.
- Any process that is started in one school year must be completed in the same school year.
Background:
- A notice was given on Nov. 24, 2016 that at the next Board meeting on Dec. 15, 2016, the following motion would be brought forward: “That the Board approve a motion to consider the closure of Ministik School.” As well, another motion was made at the Nov. 24, 2016 Board meeting related to the notice of motion. That motion was“That the administration prepare an information report regarding the possible closure of Ministik School and provide it to trustees before the next Board meeting.” The motion carried.
- As a result, administration was directed by the Board to prepare an information report regarding the possible closure of Ministik School and provide it to trustees before the next public Board meeting on Dec. 15, 2016. This initial report included but was not limited to information on areas such as educational programming, finances, infrastructure, health and safety, attendance boundaries, demographics, transportation and staffing. (Read the Ministik School Information Report)
- Ministik families were notified about the Nov. 24, 2016 notice of motion with a letter sent home on Nov. 25, 2016.
- Families were updated about the motion to consider the closure of Ministik School with a letter sent home on Dec. 16, 2016.
If I have questions, who do I contact?
Please direct questions or comments to Dave Antymniuk, Division Principal, at 780-417-8123 or through our online contact form.
Please direct media inquiries to Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services at 780-417-8204.
Elk Island Public Schools will continue to provide updated information on our website.