3 minute read
Andrew Rural Academy Officially Approved
Andrew Rural Academy Officially Approved
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Stan Zabrick opened an email from Alberta Education the afternoon of March 5. Zabrick admits his heart was pounding and he was nervous. The official letter of approval for the Andrew K-12 public charter school was contained in an attachment.
He felt a profound sense of relief reading that letter. “We know we’ve done as much ground work as possible and the critical piece was the approval. Zabrick, along with Andrew Rural Academy Foundation Vice Chair Kylie Rude, decided to surprise other members of the Foundation by advising them to attend an ad hoc emergency meeting later that afternoon, only telling them that it had something to do with their application.
Zabrick said seeing the relief and happiness on the faces of members was great. They celebrated with cake and spirits, toasting to the bright new future ahead as the charter school will begin operating this September.
In a media release, dated March 5, it states: Our team has looked forward to this achievement after several months of intense work to research, prepare and submit a uniquely relevant charter school proposal. While a number of other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program charter schools do currently operate within Alberta, Andrew Rural Academy is distinguished by its focus on rural interpretation and application of STEM with the intent of growing Alberta’s rural fabric and lifestyles.
The Andrew Rural Academy Foundation wishes to extend sincere thanks to the Ministry staff who were so helpful and supportive in the preparation of our application. Their coaching and guidance was pivotal to the success of our application.”
Zabrick said a project manager from Alberta Education will be assigned to them in the next 10 days and let them know what needs to be accomplished in the next three to four months.
Postings for the Superintendent and Principal for the charter school have already gone up, and will be followed by postings for teachers.
Zabrick said the next six to eight weeks will be “high pace” and he is going to be collaborating with an educator in Strathmore. Operations as well as curriculum design are two areas that will be developed over the next few months. “Pretty soon we’ll be starting on the three year capital plan for the school.”
A total of 85 students have registered to date, and Zabrick said that number could increase to 100 students by the time they open the doors this fall. He said they could use another dozen high school students. Additionally, 12 preschool age children have been signed up.
Zabrick said post-secondary’s “know the value of charter schools and its mandate to meet local needs and wants” and is preparing Memorandums of Understanding to be signed over the next week or two.
Momentum for fundraising and sponsorship will be picking up momentum soon. “We’ve identified a Chair and we’ll get a team in place.”
While there is much left to do, the future is looking very bright for Andrew Rural Academy.
