Encapsulated Meeting At McCauley

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., #203, 8912-156 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 5Z2

March VIIIth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA, Minister of Education, Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

Was at the McCauley School closure meeting tonight. It seems to me that part of the reason that inner city schools are not being supported is that there is a lack of transportation through DATS & such. So my proposal is that the EPSB get on the bullhorn to "Driving Miss Daisy" & other seniors transport services. I certainly bet that these services would provide low cost, effective transportation, the same as they do IV seniors. Plus I am pretty sure David that these car companies would enjoy the extra business.

It would give them a break from driving seniors around & ensure the parents & guardians of thse fine kids (including grandparents in some cases) have safe & warm transportation to & from their schools. Education is not just a priviledge in my books, its a right! Inner city kids, particularly aboriginal & minority groups should have 100% equal access to education in all areas.

As an aside David, the School Board Closure Plan was only in English tonight IV McCauley parents. The Chinese Canadian parents were right, there should be condensed versions in multiple languages made up by bilingual teachers in conjunction with their students. They could make it a school project. Its ingenious really, getting kids to explain why their school should have priority to their family's & the public. Who better to represent kids than the kids themselves. After all David, it is they who use the McCauley facility's the most!

Regards,

Rory

Soure: McCauley School.