The Alberta Parents’ Union (APU) created a petition to the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) requesting it keep the Louise Dean Centre (LDC) open. .“Louise Dean is a perfect example of how critically important school choice is in ensuring quality education for all Alberta students,” said APU executive director Jeff Park in a statement. .“Our school system is meant to serve students, not the adults who work in it.” .CBE trustees unanimously agreed September 27 to gather public input as they look into closing and relocating the program for pregnant teens at LDC’s inner city location to a regular high school in Forest Lawn, despite strong opposition from students and staff. .LDC provides classes for about 50 students from Grade 9 to 12, childcare, life skills programming, and mental health supports. It is exclusive to pregnant teens and young mothers at Kensington School..CBE officials said as enrolment drops and rates of teen pregnancies decline in Canada, the program might have to close at the existing site. .The petition received 2,240 signatures as of Wednesday. .It said the potential relocation offers “no consolation for the current students, and it remains to be seen whether the program remains successful once integrated with an existing school.” .“Programs like Louise Dean have been found to be successful in many school divisions, including Calgary's, precisely because of the customized experience they can offer, as well as the benefits from reduced bullying and harassment thanks to their separate nature,” it said. .The LDC is below Alberta Education’s 85% utilization threshold for enrolments, but many other schools are less used. The CBE has 46 schools below the 70% utilization rate. .Educators tell people learning is not one size fits all. When educators have a chance to prove their point, the APU said the CBE would “rather close schools offering something different.” .The APU said Alberta needs more innovation in schools rather than less. It said the LDC has to stay open. .“We shouldn't make young women choose between their child and their education,” it said. .Park said “innovative, needs-focused education is essential.” .“If the Calgary Board of Education can’t figure out how to provide that kind of choice and flexibility, then that’s just even more evidence our current school funding system is in dire need of reform in favour of a system where funding follows the student to whatever school can best meet their needs,” he said.
