Sherwood Park, AB. — The Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Board of Trustees continues to monitor the provincial labour situation with teachers closely. Tomorrow, Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) members from across Alberta—including all teachers, principals and assistant principals from EIPS—are expected to initiate a strike involving a complete withdrawal of services. As a result:

• All EIPS schools are closed to students and families for the duration of the strike.
• All EIPS student transportation services are suspended until classes resume.
• All EIPS and school events, activities and extracurriculars, including field trips; clubs meetings; committee meetings; and sports competitions, practices and games, are suspended until classes resume.

The Division will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate its impact on school operations. In the meantime, EIPS families must make alternative arrangements for their children until classes resume.

While schools are closed to the public until the strike ends and classes resume, families with urgent matters can still call the school as phone lines remain open during regular business hours. As well, childcare centres located in EIPS schools can remain open—families are encouraged to contact the childcare provider directly for specific details. Existing lease agreements and after-hours community events already booked remain in place.

At issue: ATA teachers are asking for a clear plan from the province’s collective bargaining group to address class size, classroom complexity, violence in schools and compensation. Currently, the ATA and the province’s Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association are negotiating a deal that works for both parties. EIPS is not involved in the negotiation process. The Division maintains a positive relationship with both parties and hopes an agreement is reached quickly to minimize learning disruptions.

Communication: The strike impacts close to 17,850 students across the Division—all of whom remain EIPS’ primary focus. As such, families will receive ongoing email updates from the Division when new information becomes available about the situation, its potential impact on school operations, and what it means for them and their child. For additional information and the latest labour news and updates, visit eips.ca.

EIPS thanks all stakeholders for their continued co-operation and understanding.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,850 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902