School divisions, official opposition, sharing statements on education changes

Education and government leaders are sharing their thoughts on the amalgamation of school divisions.

On Monday, the province of Manitoba announced all 37 school divisions in Manitoba, with the exception of Division Scolaire francomanitobaine (DSFM), are moving under one umbrella, the Provincial Education Authority.

Christian Michalik, the Superintendent of the Louis Riel School Division, is preparing for immediate changes to their board.

"We understand this announcement may leave students, staff and families with questions," he says in a statement. "The Louis Riel School Division (LRSD) is committed to working collaboratively with government officials throughout the consultation process and advocating for an education system that provides an equitable, inclusive and engaging environment for all students as outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan."

Michalik says they will update parents when they learn more about the changes and their impact on their community.

Pembina Trails School Division says they anticipated these results but need time to understand how it will affect them.

"We know that major announcements, change and uncertainty can leave our staff, families and community with countless questions. We are committed to communicating with our stakeholders as we move forward in whatever transitions lie ahead," they say in a statement.

The leader of the NPD, the official opposition party, is comparing the change to 2018's healthcare change.

"The PC’s new education bill dissolves local school divisions & replaces them with a province-wide education authority and local parent advisory groups," Wab Kinew says on Twitter. "This is a lot like what they did with Shared Health in health care. PCs will make a mess of education as they did with health."

The PC’s new education bill dissolves local school divisions & replaces them with a province-wide education authority and local parent advisory groups.

This is a lot like what they did with Shared Health in health care.

PCs will make a mess of education as they did with health

— Wab Kinew (@WabKinew) March 15, 2021

The Manitoba School Boards Association lobbied for school divisions to stay but did not succeed. CHVN has reached out for comment.

Winnipeg School Division River East Transcona School Division, Seven Oaks School Division, and St. James-Assiniboia School Division have not yet released statements.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated.