Editors note: This story has been amended to read "Families have a right to choose whether or not to access student transportation." A previous version of this story said "Families have a right to choose how students are transported."
ATHABASCA — One concerned parent came forward to Aspen View Public School’s (AVPS) board of trustees to voice her opinions on the renewed viability study of Rochester School, calling the potential changes to her children’s bus ride times “completely unacceptable.”
Candice Jensen, a mother of two children attending Rochester School, appeared before AVPS board of trustees during the Dec. 7 meeting to address the potential closure of the school following the board's Oct. 26 decision to revisit a viability study due to low enrolment.
“I’m just so grateful that back in April 2022, the board unanimously voted to keep Rochester School open, and since then we’ve had quite the year and a half,” began Jensen.
“Considering that the current data is more favourable when it comes to projected enrolment, I’m confused as to why there seems to be this sudden push for revisiting the viability of Rochester School,” she said.
She cited information from the Athabasca Health Unit on the numbers of pre-school aged children in the areas of Rochester and Perryvale, which was included in an information package posted on the division and school websites and sent to all families with kids enrolled in Rochester.
The data notes 10 children at the age of four reside in the area, along with seven three-year olds — despite the numbers, these children aren’t guaranteed to enroll in Rochester school, or any other Aspen View school, when they reach kindergarten age.
Jensen said the quality of students’ experience may also be impacted by the closure of schools, particularly in terms of bus ride length. Her family resides close to the divisions ward four border and said, “If Rochester School were to close and we had to bus to Athabasca, we would be the first ones on and the last ones off.”
Information provided in a presentation during the April 14, 2022 special meeting called by the AVPS board notes if every Rochester student transferred to Athabasca, pickup times were estimated to begin at 7:05 a.m.. Start times for schools in Athabasca range from 8:37 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., meaning some students could be facing one-way ride times of approximately an hour-and-a-half.
“My children ride the bus two minutes one-way right now,” said Jensen. “To then move them to give them a ride that’s close to 3 hours to only save (funds) is completely unacceptable in my point of view, and you can’t tell me that’s setting up these students for academic success.”
A spokesperson from the division noted estimating ride times without concrete registration numbers is difficult, and said the board remains committed to ensuring ride times are minimized where possible “while considering the realities of fiscal constraints, a geographically dispersed division, and student population,” as per the administrative procedure for student transportation.
Families also have a right to choose whether or not to access student transportation and which school is attended, either within or outside of Aspen View, said the spokesperson.
Jensen also pointed out the potential problems which could arise in arranging transportation for students, an area the division has reported difficulties in during the 2022-2023 school year, with rising contractor costs and a lack of drivers.
“I fear that the school will be closed, but then the reality of actually getting adequate transportation for all these students means the division isn’t saving as much as they thought, and the students (would) suffer,” said Jensen.
“It’s a tough thing to come in and express your concern and views,” said AVPS board chair Candy Nikipelo. “It’s an important viewpoint, just to be clear.”
Superintendent and CEO of schools Constantine Kastrinos said he has started private meetings with community members and stakeholders, and he will continue to receive feedback from those potentially impacted by the board’s decision.
“We are dedicated to that process and we want to hear from people,” said Kastrinos. “Thank you for presenting a very professional and logical approach to this important issue today.”
All feedback received by the division will be summarized and presented for trustee review in advance of the Jan. 25, 2024 meeting when a decision about Rochester Schools’ future is expected to be made.
Anyone with feedback is encouraged to contact Kastrinos — written submissions and phone calls are being accepted, private discussions will be arranged for those interested, and names will not be attached to feedback received.
Lexi Freehill, TownandCountryToday.com
