Roy Ripkens

1) What are your views on education funding in Alberta and the role of school boards in funding decisions?

Since the Government of Alberta is the primary source of education funds, the role of the Board is to advocate for adequate funding to the jurisdiction. This means taking into account special operational costs (small schools), inclusive education supports (instructional support and special equipment), and inflationary costs such as fuel, utilities and insurance. My understanding is that Ministry has “streamlined” how they distribute funds, including 3 year rolling averages, but funds at all levels of the Division have never been tighter. Care and attention needs to be taken to protect the classroom.

2) How can learning conditions in schools be improved?

This is complex question because different schools would prioritize their needs differently. However, maintaining reasonable class sizes is an issue I feel strongly about. When I was teaching here in Bonnyville, I had some class sizes in the low 40’s. That was unacceptable then and it is now. That is why I supported a policy which required all class sizes over 30 to be reported to the Superintendent and shared with the Board. Closely linked to class size is the make up of the class. Classes with split grades and/or students with high needs may need an additional support staff member present of all or part of the day. Finally, teachers need to be able to do what they do best – teach. Minimizing distractions improves learning. My focus is and has always been on student achievement. It is what we do.

3) What are your views on the recently released draft curriculum?

Having had a multi-year opportunity to be the CASS Representative on the development of the current Social Studies Program of Studies, I have a reasonable idea as to what goes into the development of a new program. It begins with a consensus about what we are trying to achieve, commonly referred to as “the front matter”. In the new Social Studies curriculum in particular, I do not see that consensus and if I had to identify a single objective, it seems students should “know” more. The Grade 2 curriculum is a case in point, where it seems excessive detail and age-inappropriate content has garnered much criticism. Clearly the development and consultation process needs to revisited and I question whether or not the current draft is salvageable. This is not to say I am opposed to revamping curricula, but it should be done methodically and with full consultation. I would also want clarity on what resources are being developed and provided and what the implementation plan and timeline looks like to support teachers. Alberta has received international acclaim for its student achievement on international tests. It’s no magic. These results are achieved when an outstanding modern school curriculum is delivered by well-resourced professional teachers in a safe and caring environment.

4) How can trustees and school boards best support teachers and other school staff?

School Boards typically do not delve into school operations. However, during the 3-year planning process, teachers and school staff are amongst the stakeholders consulted about various trends and concerns regarding the school division. My experience is that the Superintendent’s office and the Board take this feedback very seriously. Past boards have supported initiatives that take this feedback into consideration and incorporate it into the 3-Year Plan, allocating funds towards them. Updating the learning commons, chromebook technology, and the support for mental health programs are some examples. The annual meetings with School Councils also adds a layer of communication with Trustees regarding the impact of board decisions or discovering any special needs unique to that school. I also support the concept of “today’s money for today’s kids” discouraging schools from maintaining large surpluses. Insofar as possible, educational dollars should be directed towards the classroom and student achievement.

5) As a school board trustee how will you encourage and facilitate the calls to action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?

Having begun my teaching career at Kehewin, I am very passionate about this issue and glad to see that the federal government has committed to addressing all 94 calls to action. Locally I would recommend the Board meet annually with the Nations we serve. Perhaps this would be best achieved through Tribal Chiefs Educational Foundation. I worked with them in the recent past to develop a policy handbook and can clearly see our common interests in the education of children. I am not aware of what the current Board has done to address the TRC call to action to date, but I fully understand that this is a process. It will take time to establish the trust that is required to move forward.

6) What improvements or changes could be made to improve student and staff safety in the division?

I am not entirely clear on what aspects of safety I am to be addressing here. In terms of relative safety in the build, fire drills, lockdown drills and emergency preparations are required. Bob McRae (Safety Bob) is responsible for monitoring safety concerns within individual buildings. The Division also has a work alone admin procedure to protect individuals working after hours. Schools have a sign in - sign out procedure as well. If the question is referring to Covid-19 protocols, then this is typically determined by the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta. We are required to adhere to those directives. Certainly, the school year began with very little provincial direction and this created a huge problem for schools. Having contact tracing a school responsibility was questionable, to say the least. All my children are teachers and I have a sense of the day-to-day struggles that teachers face. With the Delta variant being so much more transmissible, and impacting a greater number of students, I see advocating for the improvement of ventilation in schools as important. This is a cost beyond the ability of a single school division to absorb and a worthy discussion point for the Board and Alberta Infrastructure. Newer schools are much better, but older buildings should be tested and upgraded as necessary.