The Rpcky View School Division has issued some initial thoughts on Bill 1, the Alberta government's act to reduce school fees in the province.

On March 1st, the provincial government  introduced the bill.  If passed, Bill 1 will reduce fees previously charged by public school authorities for instructional resources and transportation fees for students residing more than 2.4 kms from their designated school.

The intent of the bill is that it will take effect in September, 2017.

In a release, Rocky View Schools said they were grateful for the intent of Bill 1 and the government's support of Rocky View families and the public education system.  They said, however, that at this time, the specific impact of the bill on RVS is unknown.  They go on to say that when the government releases the bill's accompanying regulations and 2017 / 2018 grants, the division will share information with parents as to the impacts on the jurisdiction and Rocky View families.

RVS' current Instructional Resource fees and Student Transportation fees cover the portion of the cost of providing service that the government does not fund in order to provide the level of service that Rocky View families have come to expect.  The release says the division looks forward to working collaboratively with Alberta Education to implement Bill 1, while ensuring the government fully funds current service levels previiously afforded through the fees in Rocky View Schools.

RVS also forwarded a ministerial letter from Education Minister David Eggen to parents, which you can read here.

 

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