School division using new formats for Community Conversations

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on April 16, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The Lethbridge School Division board of trustees offered an opportunity for parents to speak about the good, the bad and the ugly with the board chair and a few trustee members Wednesday.
Their monthly Community Conversation event took place Wednesday at the Cor Van Raay YMCA gymnasium where parents were able to speak to board members Craig Whitehead, Allison Purcell (board chair), Kristina Larkin and Christine Light.
“It’s just an opportunity to really have an open dialogue with people. It’s not a place that we’re making decisions, but it’s us gathering information, having information from our constituents so that when we make decisions, we can make them knowing what’s going on in our community,” said Purcell.
She said there is no set agenda. It is an opportunity for families, students, parents and members of the community to share their ideas, their stories and discuss concerns and issues as well.
“One of the big concerns right now is bussing and bell times for next year,” said Purcell.
She said at the beginning of the school year the concerns were more geared towards COVID-19 related issues.
She said that on a “good story” note, parents have reacted positively to having councillors at the schools to support the students.
“I’m all about what are we doing great and what do we need to continue, so just having those conversations about what parts that they do like,” said Purcell.
She said at other meetings they have had students present and it has been great to engage with them and hear directly from them what is working and what it is not working for them.
Purcell said that one of the students that has previously attended a conversation event in the past recognized her while at the YMCA outside of work and they talked about how school is going for her.
“It just really builds on those relationships that I think are really key as trustees that we have relationships with our constituents so that they can and feel comfortable talking with us and bringing things forward,” said Purcell.
She said they are trying to have a variety of schedules for their monthly meetings to accommodate for different family schedules.
“Every month is going to rotate around as well as the time. We understand that our community is mixed with people that work shift work, and a variety of work options,” said Purcell.  
She said May’s event will take place at Henderson Lake Park from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“Just really looking at how we can meet people where they’re at and where they’re comfortable and that hopefully we can meet a variety of people and not just the normal families that we’re meeting but really just to reach out,” said Purcell.

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