EDMONTON — Alberta’s Minister of Education told Global News on Tuesday he expects a quick resolution to the case of a St. Albert boy with autism, who was told he could not attend Victoria School for the Arts.
Mother, Caitlin Wray has two sons who applied and were accepted to Victoria School for the Arts in Edmonton. A month ago, the family moved to St. Albert.
Simon, who is Wray’s oldest son, is going into Grade seven. He was looking forward to furthering his passion for video game creation in the school’s digital arts program.
Simon has of a form of autism called Aspberger’s. Edmonton Public Schools told the Wrays Simon could only attend Victoria School if his home board transferred designated provincial special needs funding.
Catilin Wray didn’t think that would be a problem, but she was wrong.
St. Albert Public refused to transfer any money. The superintendent for the school division would not talk about this specific case due to privacy reasons. However, Barry Wowk said board policy dictates, “Only when we cannot provide appropriate programming do we consider sponsorship in another district.”
Because St. Albert will not transfer the funding, Edmonton Public revoked Simon’s acceptance late last week.
An Edmonton Public Schools spokesperson would only say this issue does not involve the district. The student doesn’t live in Edmonton.
Caitlin Wray understands the arguments from both boards, but said their decisions are discriminating against her son. She noted this isn’t about residency, as her other son can still attend Victoria School.
“He competed in the same process, proved himself in the same way but he won’t be allowed to go,” Wray says.
“For us that’s a clear issue of discrimination.”
Wray and Simon want to be able to choose specialized education programming, not just special education classes.
On Tuesday, Alberta’s Education minister was interviewed on Global Edmonton’s Morning News. David Eggen said he has spoken to both boards involved. He respects the autonomy of those boards but adds, “I certainly have made it clear, I expect that the school boards can find some resolution to this issue as soon as possible.”
WATCH: Ask The Educator: Education Minister discusses key issues heading into new school year
(Scroll to the 3:00 minute mark for the discussion on the funding issue)
Classes begin next Tuesday.
More to come…
Comments