Schools across Airdrie and Alberta are set to reopen on Wednesday after the provincial government passed Bill 2 — the Back to School Act — ordering teachers back to work and bringing an end to the province-wide strike. In a statement on Wednesday, Rocky View Schools (RVS) said, “The provincial government has passed the Back to School Act, which will order teachers back into the classroom starting Oct. 29. Rocky View Schools (RVS) is preparing to reopen all schools and learning facilities and to resume classes and regular bus routes on that date.” RVS said its priority “is ensuring a smooth transition for students as they return to class,” adding that principals “will share school-specific information as details are confirmed.” The division asked for “patience and understanding as our dedicated employees focus on welcoming students back and supporting them through this transition.” The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) confirmed in an update posted Oct. 28 that “all students and staff are set to return to school on Wednesday, October 29.” CCSD thanked families for “patience, understanding and continued support during this very difficult time,” adding that priorities include “Faith and Well-Being,” “Connection Before Curriculum,” “Essential Learning,” and a “Gradual Return to Activities.” The district said “there are no changes to the district calendar, professional growth days, bell times, Fall Break or holidays,” and that “transportation will resume as per normal on Wednesday.” Grades 1–6 yellow bus and noon-hour fees “will be credited for one month of missed service,” and October bus-pass rebates for Grades 7–12 “will continue as usual.” CCSD said the Hockey Canada Skills Academy will resume on Nov. 3, and student teachers will return that week. Province legislates return In an Oct. 27 news release, the Government of Alberta said the Back to School Act “will restore stability in Alberta’s education system and ensure students can return to learning without further disruption.” Premier Danielle Smith said the legislation “refocuses everyone on what matters most — the education of Alberta’s students.” The release said the Act provided a 12 per cent salary increase over four years, market adjustments of up to 17 per cent for most teachers, and funding to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 educational assistants. Finance Minister Nate Horner called the measure “a necessary step and the most responsible decision for kids, teachers and parents,” while Justice Minister Mickey Amery said invoking the notwithstanding clause was “a necessary measure to end the undue hardship caused by the teacher strike.” A second provincial release the same day announced a Class Size and Complexity Task Force “to meet the challenge of increasingly complex classrooms.” Smith said, “Teachers have made it clear that addressing classroom complexity and safety are among the most critical improvements needed in our education system.” Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides added, “No teacher should ever be harmed while doing their job.” The province said school boards will receive funding over three years “to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 new education assistants to support students with complex needs.” Teachers’ union to challenge Bill 2 Before the bill’s passage, the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) released a statement Oct. 27 saying it “foresees that classes will resume on Wednesday, October 29.” In that statement, the ATA said, “The Alberta government’s move to force teachers back to work with legislation that invokes the notwithstanding clause is a reckless and historic abuse of power. It is the first time the Alberta government has used this extraordinary measure to override the rights of Albertans.” The Association called the legislation “a gross violation of the foundational principles of collective bargaining and the ability of workers to organize and bargain collectively,” adding, “Rights are indivisible. An attack on teachers’ right to free association is an attack on all workers.” While instructing teachers to return to classrooms and meet professional obligations, the ATA said educators “need to look to their own well-being” and that professional decisions “will be respected and supported by their colleagues and their Association.” The statement said the ATA “will pursue all legal alternatives to challenge Bill 2’s egregious assault on the collective bargaining rights of teachers and, by extension, all workers,” adding, “Our message to the government is simple: we are still here.” Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM. 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