Get involved, share your ideas and help us balance enrolment in our high schools.
Feb. 28, 2020 Update | Next Phase of Active Engagement Postponed to Fall 2020
We have decided to postpone the next phase of active engagement until Fall 2020. This change does not affect the overall timeline of the decision, which will still be made and communicated by October 2021. It also does not affect our commitment to have two active engagement phases between now and the final decision. Changes to the timeline are reflected in the updated Engagement Roadmap.
The primary reason for postponing the next phase of active engagement is so we can gain a clear and common understanding of Alberta Education’s new funding and assurance model and what it means for the CBE. As we gain this understanding, it’s possible we will recognize the need to make adjustments that could affect the options we develop for high schools.
We are continuing to work strategically to develop options for high schools that are sustainable into the future. Taking the time this spring to gain a strong understanding of the new funding and assurance model and its impacts will aid us in this work.
Watch for more news and updates on the High School Engagement webpage.
Background
Over the next two years, we will be asking for your input and feedback on how we can balance student enrolment across 20 of our high schools. Within the next five years, our projections show that 10 CBE high schools will be operating between 100 and 150 per cent of their capacity, while seven high schools will be operating between 50 and 85 per cent of their capacity. Only three high schools are projected to be within the balanced utilization range (85-100 per cent) that best supports student learning.
When student enrolment at a school is either too high or too low it affects student access, flexibility and choice in programming and extracurricular activities including athletics and clubs for students. It simply does not make sense to have several schools with an abundance of available space while many others are full beyond their capacity.
A decision is expected by October 2021, with implementation beginning September 2022. Students currently in Grade 7 will be in Grade 10 in 2022-23. If you have a student this age or younger, your family will be affected by any changes that might result from this engagement process. While current high school students will not be affected by changes, the perspectives of our current high school families are a valuable part of the conversation and will help us in the decision-making process.
In the fall of 2019, we held 12 in-person sessions and offered online engagement opportunities for staff, students, parents and the public. Feedback gathered will be shared on the CBE website and will be considered as we start to build options to balance enrolment at 20 of our high schools.
Thank you for your continued participation.
