School Mergers and the Maybe Not-So Missing Memorabilia

For the record, in compiling the candidate profiles for the current prairie dog issue and for this blog, I did absolutely no fact checking of the assertions made by the various candidates -- no fact checking, whatsoever.

And while I'd cringe a little when I'd stumble on claims by candidates that property crime is going up in Regina (based on the 2008 to 2009 stats, it's going down.... the number of crimes against people on the other had, is creeping upward), I simply didn't have time to dig into every claim by all 40-plus candidates. I was kind of hoping any errors would get ferreted out by their opponents over the course of the campagn.

Well, this afternoon in my inbox I received my first critique of a candidate profile. The e-mail comes from Barb Saylor who is one of the outgoing members of the Public School Board. She takes exception to some comments made by Cindy Anderson, a candidate for that board in Subdivision 4. I'm reprinting the pertinent portion of Barb's email below....

"I must correct an impression left by Cindy Anderson as to the disposition of memorabilia from Robert Usher and other closed schools. She was on the transition committee, as her profile states, so she knows that there was indeed a plan, which included the transfer of sport-related plaques and trophies to a special cabinet beside the gym door at Thom; the tracking down of families whose students had memorial and other plaques in the schools; and a website with photos and descriptions of memorabilia, so that members of the public could ID them and claim them, if they wished. No doubt some unclaimed material was taken by members of the community, and that would be the items "in boxes, dispersed...." Items from Stewart Russell School went to Judge Bryant, including, with the blessing of Mr. Russell's family, his portrait and bio. I don't know specifically about items from Herchmer School, but consistency of practice already demonstrated would lead me to think that many are at Wascana School and others await the brand-new school to be built on the Herchmer site. This school will replace both Herchmer and Wascana, and will combine the heritage of both. My son's Grade 8 graduation picture will take its place somewhere in that building, whose construction and grand opening I plan to be around to see."

You can read Cindy's original comments on the Public School Board profiles page. If anyone wants to provide more insight into the disposition of memorabilia from closed schools, our blog is comment-enabled....

UPDATE [27/10/09, 09:47am]: A comment from Cindy Anderson has been posted which, in the case of Usher, disputes Barb Saylor's impression of how school memorabilia was handled. You can read it in the comments section below....

More Candidate Profiles: Who Else is Running for Public School Board?

The last few profiles are trickling in. Here are two more candidates for Public School Board....

Subdivision 2
APRIL BOURGEOIS says she's running because she became alarmed to find out her kids were in a school slated for closure and believes the current school board doesn't represent the majority of Reginan's views. Read April's complete profile.
April is running against incumbent Barbara Young and you can read her profile in this post.

Subdivision 4
CHAD BLENKIN says he's running because he believes the school board needs strong leadership to secure our children's future and he has the experience to be a strong candidate for that role. Read Chad's complete profile.
Chad is running against Cindy Anderson and Frederick Rackow. You can read their profiles here.

I anticipate one or two more profiles will come in tonight and tomorrow so be sure to check back for those.

And, if you haven't already, be sure to check out the profiles for the mayoral, city council and Catholic School Board races and the complete list of Public School Board profiles.

Candidate Profiles: Who's Running for Catholic School Board

To date, we've looked at the Public School Board race, the city council race and the mayoral race. Now, finally, we take a look at the candidates running for Regina's Catholic School Board.

The Catholic board, incidentally, runs on an at-large system as opposed to a ward system, so the seven people who get the most votes out of the nine running will become board members.

After going over the profiles, it turns out that for some strange reason, it's only in the Catholic School Board race that we have candidates who identify themselves as Spocks -- up until now, we've been awfully Kirk and Scotty heavy. Also, the Catholic Board boasts what I consider the best selection of arch enemies, including Father Time, the Borg and Satan. To find out who picked what, read on....

E.J. (JERRY) ADAMS says he is running for re-election because children represent the future and deserve the best preparation possible. Read Jerry' complete profile.

VICKY BONNELL says she is running for re-election because she wants to advocate for Catholic education and maintain its distinctiveness. Read Vicky's complete profile.

GERALD KLEISINGER says he is running because education has been a life-long passion. Read Gerald's complete profile.

JOHN STEVENSON says he is running because he believes in the importance of quality, Catholic education, and that the Catholic school system should not be taken for granted. Read John's complete profile.

RICK TURCHENEK says he is running for re-election because he has the skills and abilities to address the challenges the board will face in the future. Read Rick's complete profile.

BERT YAKICHUK says he is running because he is concerned about the long-term viability of quality Catholic education. Read Bert's complete profile.

We are still hoping to get profiles from Robert Bresciani, Donna Ziegler and Frank Fiacco. When we do, we'll post them.

Candidate Profiles: Who's Running for Public School Board?

So far we've looked at the candidates for the mayor's office as well as the candidates running for council. Today, we're looking at the candidates running to become school trustees. First up, the race for spots on the Regina Public School Board.

If you're wondering who chose what superpower and where your potential trustee likes to eat, the answers are below. Plus, we didn't forget to ask the candidates where they stand on the school board's controversial 10-year renewal plan...

Subdivision 1
TIMOTHY STOBBS is the winner by acclamation in Subdivision 1. He says he ran for school board because his son is in the system and he wants to be involved in it. Read Timothy's complete profile.

Subdivision 2
APRIL BOURGEOIS says she's running because she became alarmed to find out her kids were in a school slated for closure and believes the current school board doesn't represent the majority of Reginan's views. Read April's complete profile.
BARBARA YOUNG says she's running for re-election to school board because she wants to empower teachers and help all students become successful learners. Read Barbara's complete profile.

Subdivision 3
LARRY DAVIS says he's running because he believes the current board has not been entirely forthcoming about the school closure process. Read Larry's complete profile.
SHAUNEEN PETE says she's running because, through her 20 years of involvement in the education system, she has gained an understanding of what the community values in education. Read Shauneen's complete profile.
DALE WEST says he's running for re-election because he wants to continue the good work that has taken place over the last term. Read Dale's complete profile.

Subdivision 4
CINDY ANDERSON says she is running because she believes the current board has lost touch with what parents are telling them about their schools. Read Cindy's complete profile.
CHAD BLENKIN says he's running because he believes the school board needs strong leadership to secure our children's future and he has the experience to be a strong candidate for that role. Read Chad's complete profile.
FREDERICK RACKOW says he is running because he wants to increase resources for all students and teachers in the system Read Fred's complete profile.

Subdivision 5
CARLA BECK is the winner by acclamation in Subdivision 5. She says she ran for school board because she wants to promote the value of small, walkable, neighbourhood schools. Read Carla's complete profile.

Subdivision 6
DEBRA CONLIN says she is running because she wants to be part of making positive choices regarding the future of the public school system. Read Debra's complete profile.
KATHERINE GAGNE says she is running because she wants to give students and teachers the benefit of a strong school system. Read Katherine's complete profile.
DON WREN says he is running because education is the foundation of a person's life and he wants to help provide children with the education they need to fulfill their potential. Read Don Wren's complete profile.

Subdivision 7
ANGELA FRASER is the winner by acclamation in Subdivision 7. She says she ran because she is passionate about education and wants to be part of the decision making that affects the school boards present and future. Read Angela's complete profile.

UPDATE [17/10/09, 10:10am]: I've just added April Bourgeois and Chad Blenkin's profiles to this list.

Conway endorses Beck for School Board

Might seem a little incestuous to be posting a press release from a long-time prairie dog columnist without any kind of follow up, but you could also argue that you don't get to be a long-time prairie dog columnist unless you're worth reading. So, here's John Conway's just released announcement of his support for Carla Beck's run for a spot on the school board.

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: July 2, 2009
18 year veteran Trustee John Conway endorses Carla Beck for Public School Board

A great many people have expressed regret at my decision not to run for another term as Public School Board Trustee for Subdivision 5. They have also asked me who I think would do a good job carrying on the fight for quality public education in Regina.

I was delighted when Carla Beck announced her intention to run as a candidate for Trustee in Subdivision 5. I have known Ms Beck for many years and have been most impressed with her active engagement in public education issues in the community. She has not just been engaged as a concerned parent of two children currently in the system, but has provided strong leadership encouraging wide public engagement in the urgent issues of public education that come before the Board.

Ms Beck is active in the leadership of the School Community Council at Connaught, serves as a public spokesperson for the RealRenewal group seeking needed improvements to the Board's 10 year school closure plan, and works hard to develop community engagement in important issues like the Walking School Bus initiative. Finally, Ms Beck has made it clear that she is committed to saving our small neighbourhood schools as the foundation of Regina's K to 12 system.

I have heard Ms Beck make public presentations to the Board, and noted her comments when interviewed by the media, and have always been impressed with her knowledge and grasp of the issues, and her clear articulation of the options and choices before us in public education.

Ms Beck's professional background as a medical social worker working with women and children, and her extensive community activism and deep community roots in groups working to make Regina a better place by helping those in need, will serve her well in an important leadership role in public education in Regina.

I know that Carla Beck will approach every issue that comes to the Public School Board table with the same question I always asked myself as a Trustee: "What is in the best interests of our children?" A Trustee who takes such an approach can always be counted on to stand up for our children, and to work hard to fulfill our obligation to provide the highest quality education possible.

-30-

Carla Beck to Run for School Board Seat

We received a heads up tonight from Carla Beck that she is seeking election as school board trustee in subdivision 5 -- John Conway's old position.

Carla is a medical social worker in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, a community organizer with Real Renewal and one of the people behind the Walking Schoolbus initiative we blogged about a while back.

She is also a noted critic of the current school board's plan for schools in Regina.

“One vision of renewal has been articulated by the current 10-year plan. I support a different vision,” says Beck, “one that values small, neighbourhood schools and reduced class sizes, decreases our reliance on busing and fossil fuels, values heritage architecture, and encourages local democracy and community involvement in schools.”

At the same time, she notes that she supports the board's efforts to make schools the centre of their communities by, for instance, integrating them into multi-use facilities.

Conway Won't Run Again for School Board

As the headline indicates, John Conway announced at tonight's Regina Public School Board meeting that he will not be seeking reelection as a school trustee. This is very bad news for Regina's public schools. Here is the complete text of his press release.

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For Release: 7 pm, June 16, 2009

By Dr. J. F. Conway, Trustee, Subdivision 5

Elections for the Public School Board are slated for October 2009. After 18 years of public service as a Trustee on the Board, including six successful elections, two years as Vice-Chair (1995-97) and three years as Chair (1997-2000), I have decided not to contest the coming election for Public School Board Trustee in Subdivision 5. I make this decision after serious reflection and with considerable regret. I wish to thank all those in the community who gave me their trust and support over the years.

My reasons for this decision follow.

Up until the Wall government took away local taxing powers from school boards, I had pretty well decided to run for another term. A new Board majority might have been persuaded to rescind the 10 Year School Closure Plan and to adopt instead a strategic vision based on maintaining small neighbourhood elementary schools and moving to a small class size policy. I have always advocated a “small schools/small classes” strategic vision, and the evidence mounts that such an approach is superior to closing small schools and moving toward larger and larger schools involving the bussing of growing numbers of students.

But such a plan, since it defies the favoured direction of this and previous provincial governments, requires the autonomy of local taxing powers. During my years on the Board, directions imposed by the provincial government were frequently defied by the Board. Most importantly, when the Romanow government imposed three years of deep cuts in funding in the early 1990s, the Board sheltered the system by raising local taxes. This is no longer possible.

Nor is it possible to innovate as freely as this Board was able to in the past. When the provincial government refused to move on pre-K funding, this Board did so with revenues from local taxes. When day care centres and more psychologists and social workers were considered beyond the purview of the narrow education mandate of school boards, this Board led the way with revenues from local taxes. When the provincial government refused to provide adequate funding for children with special needs, the Board filled the gap with revenues from local taxes. In each and every area of educational leadership and innovation over the years, this Board pushed the envelop with revenues from local taxes and with strong support from local taxpayers. This freedom to experiment and innovate has been drastically curtailed by the loss of local taxing powers. No where is this more clear than in the area of a possible “small schools/small classes” strategy.

A serious commitment to a “small schools/small classes” strategic plan would involve increased costs which the provincial government will not provide, including repairing the physical deterioration of many of our small schools. But the biggest cost would be incurred by a systematic move to smaller classes, and these costs would be ongoing. Smaller classes require more teachers, and reducing class sizes to the optimum level for elementary schools of 15 over five years, for example, would be costly. Under the old funding regime, with the support of the Regina public, a new Board could have raised these extra revenues through increases in local taxes. This is no longer possible.

I had also hoped a new Board majority would reverse the decision to demolish Scott and agree to incorporate the old building in the new facility in North Central. This would conservatively cost an extra $3 to 5 million. The province has refused to fund this extra cost, and the partners in the facility are unwilling to provide the extra funds. Hence an increase in local taxes would have been required to save and incorporate the Scott building. Under the new regime this is no longer possible. Thus a new Board would have to divert funds from educational programming to save Scott, a choice that involves some sacrifice of the quality of our children’s education. While I can enthusiastically support a tax increase targeted at saving Scott, I cannot support taking funds from the classroom to do so.

The bottom line is that even if a new Board majority is elected and is committed to small schools and small classes, and to saving the Scott building, and to continuing this Board’s tradition of leadership and innovation, under the new funding regime the Board elected in October 2009 will not have the autonomous fiscal power to proceed significantly against the will of the provincial government.

Under the Wall government school boards have been transformed into an administrative and disciplinary arm of the provincial government. The government sets the mill rate without our consent or advice. The government sets our budget and that is the budget the Board will have to live with and impose on the system. The Board has thereby become a political buffer between the public and the provincial government, legitimized to some extent by the fact that boards are still elected by the public.

In all conscience and in all honesty, I have difficulty seeing myself playing such a role. The prospect of running for, and serving in, an elected public office which has no fiscal power to act on behalf of the public’s wishes, and in the public interest, is a fundamental contradiction of any reasonable concept of democracy. Local democracy, in so far as public education is concerned, has been hijacked and cancelled by the actions of the Wall government.

As a result, my former resolve to run for another term has been replaced by a reluctant decision to step aside. Perhaps I can serve the Regina public more effectively in other ways in the future. Perhaps it is time for a new Trustee in Subdivsion 5 to step forward to engage in the battle for public education on this new terrain. It will certainly be a new battle, and it will be an important one in the coming years. I can think of no better time to step aside and to welcome new ideas and energy to sit around the Board table as the future of public education in Regina is charted during what will be new and turbulent times.

THE ARCHITECTS ARE HERE

I have always said that when the College buildings go, so do I. One sniff of a wrecking ball and I am out of here and never coming back. I mean it.

It was distressing to hear almost the same thing coming from Dakota McFadzean at last night’s Regina Public School Board meeting during his presentation about the coming demise of Scott Collegiate. I didn’t know that Regina’s continual self-destruction depressed other people to the point they start thinking of packing up and moving on, but of course I can't be the only one. Each building that is destroyed is one closer to the limit of what I can stand, not just for the architecture itself, but for the unthinking motivation behind it.

One of the statements that seemed to stick in the Scott supporters' craw yesterday was RBE member Russ Marchuk’s pithy statement “If the horse dies, get off,” in reference to Scott’s supposed failure to support its students architecturally.

I can’t help but think about the hundreds of slum houses around the Scott facility – each a tiny marvel of architecture in its day – that have been used to pump money out of North Central residents and into slumlords’ pockets for decades, with the complicity – if not the outright blessing – of policy makers in every level of government.

Who knew it was all architecture’s fault? Thank goodness the architects are going to come and fix it for us. So glad that's sorted.

Maybe we needed to have the dead horse image planted in our heads whether we want to see it or not. If that’s how the school board sees its buildings, we’re better off knowing.

How do we communicate back to our representatives that the horse isn’t a building, a learning model, or even a school board, but the city itself? Who sees us as we step off and walk away?

NB: One of my recent favorite books is Michael Winter’s The Architects Are Here. The title of the book is fictional shorthand for a kind of impersonal, lurking force of doom, like accidents, distruction, and poverty.

Walking to School: A Radical, Dangerous Idea

I kicked off a really glorious Wednesday of wandering around the city at 8:30 this morning by taking my daughter out to join the Walking Schoolbus.

The event was put together by Carla Beck and others through the Real Renewal group. It was a dry run at something they're hoping will take off this September. Basically, the idea is that kids will get together in the morning with some chaperons and walk to school together, gathering more and more kids along the way. Going to school in a big group is a way to mitigate all those nasty parts of walking there that parents fret over -- cars being the primary threat.

And, there are other benefits, like keeping kids active and fostering a local community. Plus, it can reduce the number of cars needed to shuttle students to and from school.

The kickoff event this morning was a big success. Over 70 kids and parents showed up to make the trek from the Holy Rosary playground to Connaught school. And some of the local media made it out too. Didn't hurt that it was just about perfect weather for it.

You'd think this would be the kind of progressive, feel-good, cost-them-nothing kind of idea our public school board would be getting behind. Promoting even.

Sadly, no.

According to Beck, she was advised that for "liability issues" Regina Public Schools could not get behind or promote the Walking Schoolbus.

In fact, Beck mentioned that she was contacted on Monday by Regina Public Schools director, Don Holum. In what she described as a cordial conversation, he told her how he supported the "idea" of kids walking to school but that so much has changed in the last 50 years that he couldn't support the Walking Schoolbus. He cautioned her about liability issues and suggested that she didn't know what she was opening herself up to liabilitywise.

Beck counters by pointing out that the Walking Schoolbus is hardly a radical idea.

"I didn't make this up," she says. "It's well established around the world."

She notes that organizations across Canada are supporting Walking Schoolbuses in their communities. Organizations such as Safe Kids Canada, the government of Manitoba and the city of Saskatoon.

Of course, one has to wonder if there isn't more to RPS's opposition to the Walking Schoolbus than mere concern for student safety on the wild and wooly streets of Cathedral. The event was organized through Real Renewal, afterall. They're the group organizing against the school board's 10 year plan. And RPS are noted boosters of that 10-year plan.

I asked Carla Beck if the Walking Schoolbus was something of a polite protest against the plan. She replied, "It is."

While she notes it's an idea she's been intrigued by for years (and she thinks she first read about it in Today's Parent magazine), she says, "What solidified the need in my mind to start [a Walking Schoolbus] here as a broader movement was what I heard around the board’s 10-year plan and community response to it."

She says that her children go to Connaught School where they're enrolled in French immersion. if the board's plan comes to fruition, they'll be bused to Massey, a forty minute ride.

And, she notes, the goal of the plan is that at the end of its 10 years, 46 per cent of elementary school kids will be bused to school.

It's an alarming idea if you're one of those people like me who believes in the considerable benefits of walkable communities. And thanks to legitimate concerns over global warming, energy scarcity and peak oil, making communities more walkable is a cornerstone of most city and neighbourhood plans these days. (Take our own Downtown and Core Neighbourhood Plans for instance.)

Keeping schools small, numerous and one of the central features of communities is essential to making neighbourhoods pedestrian friendly.

It's a no brainer, then, that building a school plan around the idea of shipping kids out of their communities is short-sighted and half-baked.

But the public school board seems hell-bent on getting their 10-year plan through. No big surprise then that they wouldn't be big fans of the Walking Schoolbus. As one parent I was speaking to during the walk pointed out, if you have a bunch of people organizing around the idea of walking their kids to school and then you try to get rid of their school, you have a group of people already mobilized against you.

"It was trippy," says Beck, "at last night's Scott [Collegiate] meeting, [Trustee] Russ Marchuk was saying if the horse is dead get off. Well, excepting [Trustee and prairie dog columnist] John Conway, the dead horse they’re riding is not the small school model it's this 10-year plan."

"I think the only way to stop them," she concludes, "is to change the board."

And October 28, Regina will get a chance to do just that.