Board Approves Revised Boundaries for Sherwood Park Schools

At the regular January 24 meeting, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Board of Trustees approved revised boundaries for urban Sherwood Park schools, which will take effect in September 2014. The approved boundaries reflect a revised version of the Option 1 maps presented during the October and November open houses.

Thank you to all the parents, students, staff, and community members who participated in the Re-Imagining our Sherwood Park Schools process. Whether it was attending one of the public open houses, participating in a World Café, or filling out an online survey, we appreciate everyone who took the time to submit feedback and ask questions.

Approved Maps

The approved maps maintain current grade configurations while adjusting school boundary lines to improve utilizations in our Sherwood Park schools. The new boundaries balance our feeder school framework with the importance of proximity to schools, a priority identified by parents throughout the consultation process.

Approved elementary boundary map
(effective September 2014)
Approved junior high boundary map
(effective September 2014)
Approved senior high boundary map
(effective September 2014)
(Current Sherwood Park boundary maps are available for comparison to see the areas affected)

The approved maps are believed to be the most educationally sound, economically viable, environmentally compatible, and publicly acceptable, in accordance with the Sustainable Decision-Making Model used by the Board. The new boundaries offer the best common ground by balancing utilization, resulting in the least number of significant changes, and affecting the fewest number of students.

Grandfathering

The Board also approved the opportunity for students to finish out all grades at the school they are currently attending, rather than moving to a new school in the middle of their elementary, junior high, or senior high years. The opportunity for grandfathering was identified as a high priority by parents throughout the consultation process.

Busing may be available for grandfathered students depending on routes; however, it is not guaranteed. Families will be responsible for any associated fees if busing is available.

Board Report

A complete copy of the recommendations and supporting information presented to the Board of Trustees is available for those who are interested. An explanation of the differences between the Option 1 maps presented during Phase 3 of the public consultations and the approved maps is included in the handout.
Recommendation
Board Report
Board Handout

Implementation

With implementation to take place in September 2014, EIPS staff will now begin planning for the changes and communicating with families who will be affected by the revised boundaries. This communication will include:

• Details about the 2014/2015 Kindergarten registration process.
• Timelines for the 2014/2015 boundary exemption request process.
• An overview of the process and timelines for families to make a decision about grandfathering. 

EIPS will keep families informed using direct mail, school newsletters, and updates on school and division websites.

Please check back often and watch for updates from your child’s school.