JasonSchilling

We're now into the second week of Edmonton Public Schools support staff strike and as you would expect the ripple effects are being felt by many. Students and families, especially special needs students and their families may feel it most. Diana Halabi’s twelve-year-old daughter Zahea is non-verbal and requires help with everything from the minute Zahea gets off the school bus until she gets back on it. Zahea can’t attend school in person because there is nobody to support her.

Both CUPE Local 3550 President Mandy Lamoureux and Alberta Teachers’ Association president Jason Schilling say they have heard similar stories from others. Lamoureux said the union got word Tuesday morning that the school board wants to return to the bargaining table as early as Thursday.

Its no secret that the ATA has informed its membership that a strike may be what it takes to bring the reality of their concerns to the Province and people of Alberta. Don't be surprised if, in the weeks and months ahead, we see and hear more from the ATA. In the meantime and while waiting, the Journal article below is a good introduction to what may be coming our way.

The new school year will be starting soon and with the new school year will be new policies regarding the use of cellphones in classrooms. President Jason Schilling of the Alberta Teachers’ Association says there is some confusion regarding the role of teachers in implementing the policies come September 1st while school divisions have until Jan. 1 to put their own policies and procedures on the books.