Sounding off about division amalgamation

A Free Press story last Sunday speculating on what one city-wide school division would be like certainly pushed buttons. Reaction so far is running about three to one in favour of giving it a try, with several parents pointing to the possibility of economies of scale allowing high schools to specialize, especially in music and dance. Here's a sampling of reaction:

"You also compared this large division to the regional health authorities. I have never seen any proof that the health authorities have saved money."

-- Walter Badger

"I would like to see one high school specializing in sports and perhaps another high school specializing in dance (ballet)."

-- Gail Rau

"I lived in Edmonton for 12 years, where my children started school, and the one-board system works much better than the hodge podge of boards that exists in Winnipeg. The problem with the current system is that everyone is too focused on protecting their own turf, with the result that the big picture for the common good gets lost... or not developed at all."

-- Julie Bubnick

"Since my first letter to the editor on this matter (Hold the taxes, reduce trustees -- sent Dec. 8, 1999), I have continually called for one school division for Winnipeg. Perhaps Premier Gary Doer will now get this message."

-- Issie D. Oiring

"Political will and vision. Manitoba politicians lack both and therefore I do not think it will come about."

-- Code Clements

"The current system has been totally unfair for the student and the homeowner. Certainly the students shouldn't suffer because of more dollars per student in one division over another. Just because I decide to live in one part of the city versus another should not result in my family being penalized with higher taxes."

-- Bruce W. Wolfe

"Wow, you really got my attention when you mentioned schools specializing in science, dance, languages, etc. To be able to give our schools back to the students so that they could become excited about going to school each and every day would be wonderful. What my Grade 12 son could (have) done with a school that specialized in music!"

-- Linda Bontey

I do not agree with any more amalgamation. With big boards, it would not be possible for trustees to be in touch with and accountable to parents/taxpayers. It is unlikely we would know our trustee rep like we did before the 2002 amalgamation. Even that one was too much."

-- Margaret Jones

"From a cultural, physical and economic perspective, Winnipeg's communities and neighbourhoods are noted for their diversity. Amalgamation of school divisions will not reconcile the different expectations of these communities."

-- John G. Kubi

"The larger the division, the more difficult it becomes to meet individual student needs, which is what education should be all about. Past school amalgamations have not saved money and have become more impersonal."

-- Annette Beauchamp

"The funding disparities noted in your article are criminal. Other jurisdictions fund on a per-head basis, provincewide, period."

-- David and Sheri Mackinder

"I am a teacher and found this very interesting. I laugh at the comments that suggest it wouldn't save any money or it wouldn't be good for the kids. Those comments almost always come from employees or trustees in the most highly paid positions and it is very obvious that they feel threatened by this."

-- Aime Gautron

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 15, 2009 B3