Walter Ryl

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

Countries with the highest standard of living also have a high degree of public education funding. I believe that Alberta should be a leader in Canada in ensuring that public education is being adequately funded. 

The main purpose of school boards in funding decisions is to ensure that education funding is directed to where it is needed most and will be most effective in achieving a high standard of education. 

Capital funding should be directed to where it is needed most in the district. In my opinion, a new K-3 school was needed over 20 years ago in Lac La Biche when my kids first started school, and this need has only grown since then. 

2)   How can learning conditions in schools be improved? 

The number one method to improve learning conditions in schools, is to keep class sizes as low as possible. Small class sizes will allow teachers to be more effective in class 

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

Perhaps the biggest issue with the draft curriculum is that it is attempting to change everything. Changes to the curriculum should focus on one learning stream at a time, such as mathematics. This allows educators time to properly adapt to the changes and adjust their lesson plans accordingly, 

There also seems to be a new focus on excessive memorization of facts and figures by the students. This may not be the best way to develop students' analytical and problem solving skills. 

The draft curriculum also appears to have been developed with out enough consultation with teachers who are left with the responsibility to implement and instruct the curriculum. Their input on what 'works" is crucial. 

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

The best support a school board can provide to teachers and staff is to ensure that the tools they need to teach are available. This means that teachers have access to supplies that they need. This means that class rooms are not overcrowded. This means that there are sufficient teachers assistants, especially for special needs students. 

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

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Truth and Reconciliation ceremony at the Bold Centre on September 30, 2021. Hearing stories first hand from residential school survivors was very moving and brought the history of the schools into the "real world". If possible, I would encourage more of these stories to be told to the students. If this could be integrated with an event such as a school concert where the students' parents are also present, this will help educate everyone on the matter and why it is such an important issue.

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

The biggest issue with respect to safety is matters regarding bullying, including physical, emotional and cyber / on line issues. 

For students and their parents, I would like to see a signed acknowledgment that they are aware of what constitutes bullying, and what the consequences of bullying could be. 

For teachers and staff, there may always exist a fear of being falsely accused of inappropriate acts. Where possible, video cameras may alleviate this issue. For example, one on one teacher student instruction at lunch, or after class, may have to be conducted only in camera. Privacy issues would need to be addressed before such policies are implemented. 

I would also like to see established hours after school that parents or students may contact or phone teachers. Everyone needs down time, and teachers should not have to answer phone calls at all times of the evening.