3 minute read
Public Charter School Closer to Reality in Andrew
Public Charter School Closer to Reality in Andrew
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Members of the Andrew School Committee continue to move towards finalization of its application for a public charter school with Alberta Education. While progress has been slow and steady, members are asking people to continue to share their vision, and continue to spread hope and positivity.
That message was shared, along with a picture on the Andrew Rural Academy Facebook page on March 28. Members are also asking folks to continue spreading the word to attract students to the school.
Jason Tkachuk, who heads the Andrew School Committee, told the Vegreville News Advertiser on March 30 that “everything is progressing” but they have yet to receive formal approval from Alberta Education. But he, along with other committee members, believe it’s “just a matter of when; not if” and that it won’t be too much longer before the application is finalized.
Following that, Tkachuk said the application will be forwarded to the Minister of Education for approval. “The minister has 90 days to make a decision and we don’t foresee any major hurdles.”
In terms of timeline, “Tentatively we’re hoping to open elementary in the fall, but worst case scenario we will open next year.”
Tkachuk feels one distinct advantage Andrew Rural Academy has over some applicants is the fact that the Village of Andrew owns the facility that will house the school. While some maintenance is required on parts of the roof, repairs are not as bad as what was initially reported by Elk Island Public Schools. Tkachuk said they have secured a contractor to perform the repairs sometime this summer.
As far as hiring is concerned, Tkachuk said they will be putting out applications for the superintendent position over the next week or two. He added that the superintendent hires the principal and teachers and acts as a liaison to the committee and Alberta Education.
Additionally, Tkachuk pointed out, “We have a local childcare provider currently going through the steps to open in the school.”
A recent parent video about Holden Rural Academy went viral on social media generating a lot of interest, noted Tkachuk. To date, the number of parents interested in enrolling their children in Andrew Rural Academy is approximately 80 in total. A minimum of 65 students is required before they can begin operating the charter school.
