Ryley and Holden presentations to BRSD emphasize communication key to success
Four communities whose schools are under threat of closure by the Battle River School Division (BRSD) had an opportunity on Thursday, Feb. 27 in Camrose to make presentations to the board of trustees in support of their schools.
Round Hill presentations were done in the morning, followed by Hardisty, then Ryley and Holden combined in the afternoon.
The board heard from 15 delegations in all.
Village of Ryley CAO Glen Hamilton-Brown made the first presentation, accompanied by Mayor Terry Magneson.
“There have been lots of good points made here today,” he said, referring to those made by other schools under threat of closure.
“Everyone’s thinking the same thing.
“Today has portrayed many factors the board may not have considered yet, from all options on the table,” he said.
“I think the BRSD must tap the immovable force of those communities. They are going to find alternatives. Our communities, those families, they are going to find success; work with us, or lose in the end.
“I think that instead of pulling out, and not being part of the solutions, there needs to be changes.
“I think that we at the communities are partners with you in managing your clients, which are those communities.”
Hamilton Brown echoed Hardisty CAO Sandy Ott’s earlier plea to the board: “Don’t make this decision in a silo.”
“BRSD cannot continue to operate the same way; it needs to find alternatives innovative ideas,” he said. . . . contd.
