Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.

Countering a drive by the Alberta government to promote P3 schools, CUPE Local 474 presented its case to the Edmonton school board this week, demonstrating the danger of partnering with the private sector for new school construction.

Clearly, we continue to face a battle with the government over public education, says local president Doug Luellman.

The provincial government sponsored a symposium last month focusing on the use of public-private partnerships for school facilities.

It is evident the government is sponsoring a push to P3s, yet the evidence from other provinces shows they impose greater costs on the taxpayer while at the same time the public loses accountability and control over school use, says Luellman.

In addition, Luellman outlined his unions blueprint for clean, safe and healthy schools. Everyone knows the importance of the learning environment for educational achievement, says Luellman. So, we are calling on the board to adopt a staffing formula and increase training opportunities for custodial staff in order to ensure that schools meet the Boards minimum standards for cleanliness.