Update ASBA advocacy priorities
The ASBA has identified three priorities: infrastructure, transportation and high school completion as the focus of its advocacy efforts. Here is a quick progress report.
Transportation Task Force
Using the At the Breaking Point (PDF–341K) report, published May 2008, as a starting point, Zone representatives to the transportation task force: Sharilyn Anderson, Peace Wapiti SD, Zone 1; Judy Muir, Northern Gateway RD, Zone 2/3; Colleen Butler, Chinook's Edge SD, Zone 4; Karen Harries, Golden Hills SD, Zone 5; and Norma Peters, Horizon SD, Zone 6 will present a discussion guide to Zones and ask school boards to have local discussions about the report’s findings. The feedback gathered will guide ASBA advocacy efforts.
Infrastructure Task Force
In the new year the infrastructure task force, chaired by Calgary Catholic’s representative to the ASBA Board of Directors Serafino Scarpino, will begin research to identify the challenges and obstacles in this area. School boards will be consulted.
High School Completion Task Force
In the new year the high school completion task force, chaired by Zone 4 Director Jackie Swainson, will survey school boards about how they are addressing high school completion rates.
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Office closed December 24 to January 4, 2009
ASBA Christmas hours
Merry Christmas to all. This year, instead of mailing Christmas cards, the ASBA e-mailed greetings and made a donation to two charities: Success by Six and Adopt-a-Teen. Over the holidays, the office will be closed December 24 to January 4, 2009. We wish you all the best of the season. |
What next for Pat Mackenzie’s report and recommendations re bargaining?
At its December meeting the ASBA Board of Directors formally received the Fair Bargaining for a Better Future Report (PDF–1.5 MB). The board directed the executive director to develop an action plan to address the report’s recommendations for its consideration. School boards are encouraged to provide commentary on the recommendations to president or executive director .
2008 saw a sea change in teacher bargaining in Alberta. In a major shift from past practice, the provincial government signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial Alberta Teachers’ Association that covered a $2.1 billion pension liability; teacher salaries and a $1500 signing bonus for teachers. All other contractual matters were dealt with by school boards negotiating at the local level with teachers. With the current contract set to expire in 2012, the ASBA contracted Patricia Mackenzie of Mackenzie Management Consulting to review the last round of bargaining and to write a report about school boards’ perspectives on how things went. The report was presented to school boards at the Fall General Meeting. Read the Alberta Teachers’ Association reaction to the report here. |
