ROCKY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

2011-2012 Theme: In, Through, By, and For Jesus

Colossians 1: 15-20 "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."

 1. Why would Rocky Christian School want to be part of a public school division?

Through the years Rocky Christian School has experienced declining enrolment, wear and tear of our building, and a less competitive salary structure.  An alternative agreement fully addresses the matter of teacher salaries and partially addresses the issues of school fees and maintenance of facilities.  It is hoped that relief in school fees will contribute to an increase in enrolment and therefore an increase in the impact of our ministry in the Rocky and Clearwater area.

2. What would be the annual cost for the Alternative Christian Program?

After working with the present budget and then transferring these numbers to an alternative program the cost would be about $2850/family (a $2000 dollar reduction over the 2011/2012 school year).  There would be additional costs reflective of each student’s participation in particular programs (i.e. Mexicali trip).  Other costs would be the same as in the W.R.P.S. system (i.e. book fees, sports team participation).  It is anticipated that as class sizes grow the financial picture will improve.

3. Will we have to decrease our staff size?

We have budgeted on the basis of maintaining the present staff size.  It is hoped that enrolment will increase to levels which better match the numbers of teachers we have.  This will, in turn, allow us to reduce fees and increase our savings for facility improvements.

4. Who will determine who the principal is of RCS?

The W.R.P.S. has agreed that they will allow us meaningful participation in the selection of a principal.  A principal selection committee will include four members from our school society.  Lisa Golding, the principal of Drayton Christian School, told us that W.R.P.S. on their own decided that it would be a good thing to allow D.C.S. to have their own principal instead of having a principal over both the public school and D.C.S.

5. Could a non-Christian teacher be hired?

Our hiring practices will remain virtually the same.  Teachers will need to sign a form indicating agreement with our statements of principles and beliefs.  We will continue to be at risk of hiring someone who lives a life inconsistent with their profession of faith.  We anticipate we will have a greater number of applicants from which to choose if we offer ‘public school’ salaries.

6. Will RCS teachers have to join the A.T.A. (Alberta Teachers Association)?

Yes.

7. Would RCS students still bussed to school from outside of the catchment area of Rocky Mountain House?

Yes; WRPS has agreed that they would pick up RCS students outside of the catchment area using their own buses.  This would either allow us to either sell our bus to help our financial picture or keep it for field trips and other similar situations.  There will be no additional busing fees for RCS students.  Additionally, RCS families will no longer have to pay the $300/family that was charged this school year.  Remember that even this $300 that families paid this year was a very generous offer made to RCS by the W.R.P.S. because they could have charged each family approximately $1200 per student.  In addition RCS students from the Caroline area will be able to ride the Catholic School buses in accordance with an existing agreement between the Red Deer Catholic Schools and the W.R.P.S.

8. How can we in good conscience place our school under the authority of an atheistic organization?

No simple distinction can be made between the ministry of education and Wild Rose in terms of which is more atheistic or secular.  We presently operate directly under the authority of the ministry.  Both authorities have shown a willingness to include a variety of schools including Christian schools.  Reasonably speaking, our greatest fear might be a future premier who does not support education outside of the public system.  It is worth noting that if people really felt that public schools divisions are something to be feared it is unlikely they would willingly and even enthusiastically send their children to a public high school.

9. Would Muslims (or the children of Muslims) be allowed to attend RCS?

The simple answer is "yes".  See Master Agreement, 1.2 Enrolment.  However, the reality is that the parents of Muslims would not likely be interested in a distinctly and deliberately Christian program where students are prepared for a Christian life.  The question could be turned around to the following:  "If there was an Alternative Muslim Program in Rocky would you send your child that program?

10. Other than money, are there any advantages to an alternative agreement with Wild Rose?

We expect to benefit from the relationship we have as a respected and equal partner in the community of schools in our area.  We believe we have much to contribute and stand to gain much in the local educational community in terms of professional development and shared insights into good education.

11. What is the process going forward?

The Wild Rose trustees plan to vote on the agreement on January 25.  Our society board will meet on the evening of the 26^th to hear the results of their vote.  If, as we anticipate, it is approved at that time we will vote on the agreement at a Society meeting scheduled for February 13.  If minor changes are required as a result of the trustees’ deliberations we will attempt to communicate those to members via email and our web site.  Please let our office know of your email address if you would like to receive updates.

12. What percentage of the votes is required to approve the agreement?

The board has declared this to be a special resolution.  This means that a 75% majority will be required to adopt the Master Agreement.  If between 50% and 75% of the membership votes in favour of the resolution, the matter will remain on the table and we will seek input from the membership in search of ways to make an acceptable agreement.  A revised agreement would, in that case, be presented to the membership in the coming months.

13. How did the proposed agreement come into being?

We have had an Alternative Program Committee working on an agreement for a number of years following a society decision to pursue the matter.  Since discussions began Wild Rose changed superintendents twice which delayed the process.  Advice that Wild Rose received from the Alberta School Boards Association delayed the process further.  At one point we investigated the possibility of an agreement with Palliser School Division in order to ensure that we secure the best possible agreement for our membership.  We owe a debt of gratitude to Bob Barthel of Gateway Christian School in Red Deer, Tena Siebenga-Valstar from Fort McMurray Christian School, Lisa Golding of Drayton Christian School, Scott Hickling from Calgary Christian School, and Peter Buisman from Edmonton Christian School who helped guide us through the process in a variety of ways.  We also wish to thank Brian Celli and the folks at Wild Rose Public Schools for investing countless hours in working with us to make this agreement possible.  Above all we thank God who has given us the energy, patience, wisdom, clarity, and motivation to propel and guide us through the process.