It's been exactly 6 months since the 'announcement of an announcement' and on September 15, it will be 6 months since we were introduced to Bill 64, The Education Modernization Act. While the K-12 review, with an estimated price tag of $1M, contained many recommendations reflective of the comprehensive province-wide consultation that took place, Bill 64 ignored all those recommendations rendering the review report obsolete the second it was released. It proposed a wholesale overhaul of public education that would have effectively decimated the public education system in Manitoba as it now exists. Here's my part two- I'm going with better late than never.😉
Six months later, and we breathe. With the bill on hold for now, the focus is on starting a new school year, albeit with the specter of COVID-19 still overhead. With the announcement this past Friday of the provincial curriculum advisory panel as part of the BEST Strategy, we are right to keep our feet on the gas, to continue to pay attention, to engage, participate, and advocate for what WE know to be 'best' for students, families, and communities where public education is concerned. The BEST Strategy is still alive.
How do I feel?
I'm grateful for those that took the time to engage. educate, and advocate. It's been a profound learning experience for many, and an opportunity for students, parents, school staff, teachers and communities to share perspectives and have conversations.
I'm tired of the thoughtless ill-informed commentary that continues to circulate about so many things related to public education.
I'm even more committed to doing what I can to ensure a relevant public education system that meets the needs of all students. Bill 64 showed us what the alternative looks like, and it's not good.
I'm impatient to get going on a long-term plan informed by the expertise in the system and in stake-holder and partner groups.
Mindful that one level of elected representation was actively working to eliminate another level of elected representation, I'm none the less eager to build the bridges and have the conversations that ensure a bright future for the young people of Manitoba as they learn and grow.
I'm indebted to all of you who provided perspective and context on the aspects and implications of Bill 64 that I wasn't able to fully comprehend.
Finally, I really appreciated all who asked for that same perspective and insight into the role of school boards and what the loss of elected community voice would mean for schools and communities.
