Research

A review of several studies conducted by Alberta Education found that the community hub model improves attendance, reduces high-risk behaviours, increases parental engagement, lowers rates of child abuse and raises academic performance.

The primary recommendation of the REACH Report on neighbourhoood safety, adopted unanimously by Edmonton City Council, calls for the nurturing of "an integrated community-wide partnership that positions schools as key access points, or hubs, for high-needs families, children and youth."

In a report examining education in Coquitlam, B.C., researchers at Simon Fraser University concluded that small schools with 100 to 300 students foster a cohesive sense of community. This model supports character development, empathy and high graduation rates.

A comprehensive study by the KnowledgeWorks Foundation summarizes the social and educational benefits of community schools. They are also more cost effective for taxpayers whereas closure reduces economic vitality, community cohesion and civic participation.

"When children see a connection between where and how they live and what they are learning, their interest is deepened and sustained." Wise thoughts provided by Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development for the Commission on the Whole Child.

In an interview with Charlie Rose, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan explains why creating community schools is a top priority for the Obama administration. "I think our schools should be open 12, 13, 14 hours a day."

Sites

Parents and community members concerned about school board governance have created the Association for Responsive Trusteeship in Edmonton Schools (ARTES), which seeks to encourage high-quality candidates who believe in accountability and who will enact policies that put kids first.

Community schools advocate Sue Huff beat a long-serving incumbent by a wide margin in the 2007 trustee elections. She represents west-central Edmonton.

News coverage of school board activity is sometimes a bit sparse. Know Your Trustee is an excellent source for information on meetings and motions. You can also see how your trustee has voted on previous school closure proposals.

The prospect of losing half of inner city schools has motivated many groups and individuals to create advocacy websites. These include Sector 7, Parents Against Closure of Schools and No School 4 You. Two not-for-profit agencies, the Muttart Foundation and Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative, submitted statements to board in support of McCauley School, while another, Community Response to Urban Disorder, spoke out on behalf of Parkdale School.

Directors of the Edmonton Federation Community Leagues (EFCL) voted unanimously to express their "opposition to the closure of six more schools and the entire process the school board is using to reach these decisions" while at the same time other levels of government are spending millions of dollars trying to revitalize and repopulate affected neighbourhoods.

Across Canada, provinces are adopting the community hub educational model. In Saskatchewan, the policy is known as SchoolPlus. "It envisions a province where every school is actively improving student outcomes through the delivery of a strong learning programme and serving as a centre for social, health and other services for children and their families."

One of the best informational sites is the Coalition for Community Schools, a gateway to hundreds of resources supporting the whole child approach to education in the United States.

Walking to school used to be part of the experience of being a child. The EPSB's automobile-based system contributes to geographic dislocation, high obesity rates and unsustainable environmental practices. The Green Communities Active and Safe Routes to School initiative notes that just nine families choosing walking over driving would prevent almost 1000 kilograms of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

EPSB

During the spring and fall of 2010, more than 70 schools will be considered for possible closure in established Edmonton neighbourhoods. Dialogue Partners, an Ottawa-based communications company retained by the district, has created a public engagement website.

The administration is recommending to trustees that they close half of schools in Edmonton's inner city and Hardisty areas. The plan would mean the loss of on-site community partnerships in schools along Alberta Avenue and disconnection for preschools and daycares in Capilano and Fulton Place.