Morinville area students will have public school access this fall

 Beginning September 2012, Alberta Education says students in the Morinville area will have access to both public and separate schools.

The government says Georges P. Vanier School will be transferred to the Sturgeon School Division on July 1; becoming the new public school option. Morinville’s other schools will continue to be operated by Greater St. Albert Catholic.

“I want to thank both boards for putting the students of Morinville first and contributing to this solution,” said Education Minister Jeff Johnson. “I recognize this has been a challenging and emotional issue for the community, but this change is important to provide all parents the choice and voice they deserve.”

This announcement comes after a lengthy battle with parents in the area, saying a non-religious education was not being offered in the region, and that public education was a basic human right.

The transfer of Georges P. Vanier School, from the Greater St. Albert Catholic Regional Division to the Sturgeon School Division, was determined by the Minister as the best solution based on input from the affected school divisions, parents and area residents.

The school will be ready for students in time for the upcoming school year. Additional modular classrooms will also be added to Notre Dame Elementary to accommodate students from Georges P. Vanier school.

“We are pleased with the decision and look forward to welcoming all Morinville and area students into our new school for the 2012 school year,” said Sturgeon School Division Board Chair Terry Jewell.

“We recognize this announcement will result in a change and challenge for many in our community. It is our commitment to work with families to ensure that all children will be supported during this transition period,” said Lauri-Ann Turnbull, Board Chair of St. Albert Catholic Schools. “Our schools look forward to continuing our tradition of providing an outstanding, faith-based education.”

The St. Albert and Sturgeon Valley School Districts Establishment Act passed during the spring Legislative session and was proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor on May 31. Once it comes into effect on July 1, it will expand the Sturgeon School Division, dissolve the Greater St. Albert Catholic Regional Division and the St. Albert Protestant School Division and establish the Greater St. Albert Roman Catholic Separate School District and the St. Albert Public School District.