ATA President Jason Schilling. (Supplied by Alberta Teachers' Association)

By David Opinko

Alberta teachers call for delayed start to school year

Aug 20, 2020 | 10:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – If the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) gets its way, September 1 will no longer be the first day of classes this year.

ATA President Jason Schilling met with Education Minister Adriana LaGrange on Wednesday to address the concerns many teachers have with the school re-entry plan.

“We have had a frank and informative meeting with Minister LaGrange and senior officials [Wednesday], and I thank her for taking the time to meet with us and listen to the concerns of teachers.”

Prior to the meeting, he told LNN that individual school boards have been left to formulate much of the plans on their own, meaning there is no province-wide standard.

Many districts, including the Lethbridge School Division, have raised concerns about a lack of funding to ensure schools can stay clean and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“Given that issues remain, we are calling for the minister to delay the start of school until after Labour Day so that teachers, principals and other staff can prepare for the arrival of students,” states Schilling.

Following his discussion with the minister, the priorities that the ATA pushed include:

• An ongoing multi-stakeholder working group that includes public health
• A clear plan for transitioning schools between scenarios
• Increased physical distancing through reduced class sizes
• Funding for enhanced staff, PPE, and HVAC improvements
• Better plans for screening and testing of students and staff
• Resources and supports to ensure the safety and availability of substitute teachers

Schilling adds that LaGrange listened to their concerns and that he feels she now has a better understanding of them.

“Nothing was formally agreed to, but I expect to hear more from the minister on these important issues. The government now has to act.”

The ATA represents 46,000 members across Alberta’s 61 school districts.

READ MORE: Province announces schools will return to near-normal operations in September

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