School. Keep Going. But Not If You Attend the MRLSC

The advent of technology has revolutionized the way we learn and access educational programming. With the rise of remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, education systems have been able to cater to the needs of a larger population, making learning accessible to those who may have experienced barriers in accessing traditional face-to-face programs. In January of 2021 the provincial government of Manitoba announced the opening of the Manitoba Remote Learning Support Center (MRLSC) which was designed, in part, “to ensure students across Manitoba can access quality remote learning support when they need it” (Goertzen – MB EELC, 2021). This priority was reiterated in August of 2022 as Education Minister Wayne Ewasko announced that approximately one million dollars would be shared to support the MRLSC with their programming. Remote learning was further identified as a priority, having a place in the Back to School: September 2022 plan shared by Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning:

“There is also a role for remote learning in the future, building on the innovations and the earnings from the past two years. Remote learning supports students who cannot be in the classroom and also brings certain learning experiences and courses to students that would otherwise not have the opportunity—especially students in smaller schools across rural and northern Manitoba.”

p 10, https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/docs/back_to_school.pdf

In the “Whats New for 2022/23” section of this document included the MRLSC which stated, “Plans are to maintain remote learning supports in future years” (p. 11).

By future years they meant a singular year, as in 2023…

This week, in a letter shared to stakeholders, principal of the MRLSC Andy Mead shared that the school will be closed at the end of the 2022/23 school year with students expected to return to their home school divisions for the 2023/24 school year. A decision that the provincial government decided to communicate during their Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. The following provides an overview of some of the factors that I believe need to be reviewed:

Enrollment & Closure Approval

With an enrollment of 195 students and 21 staff, the MRLSC boasts a larger community than over 200 of Manitoba’s public schools according to the most recent Enrollment Report shared in 2021.

Identified by MB EECL as school number #2333 in their “Schools in Manitoba” database, the MRLSC would be the first school closed since 2019 which saw the closure of Birch River School in Swan Valley School Division and Domain Elementary in Red River Valley School Division. According to the 2018 Enrollment Report, these schools had an enrollment of 32 students and 9 students, respectively, before their closures were announced.

In fact, over the past 15 years only 9 Manitoba public schools have been closed; with enrollments of 3-51 students at the time of their closure. In the case of each of these closures, comparable programming was available within the same community or via an accessible commute.

• Chapman School – Pembina Trails
  • Closed 2016
  • 2015 enrollment: 51
• Reynolds School – Sunrise
  • Closed 2014
  • 2013 enrolment: 7
• Kenton School – Parkwest
  • Closed 2012
  • 2011 enrollment: 11
• Graysville School – Prairie Rose
  • Closed 2010
  • 2009 enrollment:12
• Little Creek Colony School – Prairie Rose
  • Closed 2010
  • 2009 enrollment: 7
• Cypress River Elementary – Prairie Spirit
  • Closed 2009
  • 2008 enrollment: 19
• Pine Dock School – Frontier
  • Closed 2008
  • 2007 enrollment: 3

According to the Manitoba Public Schools Act:

41(1.3) The minister may approve a school closure referred to in subsection (1.2) if the school board demonstrates to the minister’s satisfaction that:

(a) the closure is the result of a consolidation of schools within the area or community;

(b) there is a consensus among the parents and residents of the area served by the school that the school should be closed; or

(c) it is no longer feasible to keep the school open because of declining enrolment and, despite having made reasonable efforts, the board has been unable to expand the use of the school building for appropriate community purposes.

https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/p250e.php

With an enrollment just shy of 200 students, waitlists for the Grades 1-3 & 6-8 classes, and no comparable programming to provide for remote delivery, it is hard to justify that the MRLSC should close its doors…. or should I say screens.

Student Presence and Engagement

Earlier this year, an announcement was made outlining the new policy directive and action plan for Student Presence and Engagement which has been designed to, “identify and address absenteeism before it becomes a problem” (p 2). While remote learning is not specifically addressed within this document, Guideline 6: Roles & Responsibilities states that government service providers will:

“provide supports and services that encourage regular attendance and help decrease any barriers that may be affecting a student’s ability to attend school“

p 16, https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/presence_engagement/student_presence_engagement.pdf

This mirrors the justification used in 2021 for the opening of the MRLSC, yet in 2023 this policy has been followed up by the closure of this support.

Supporting Research

The 2021 report from The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC): Uncharted Waters – Toward a World-Class e-Learning Paradigm:

• “Canada must prepare for a future where e-learning is not just an emergency response but a common practice.” (p 5).

The 2021 report from BU CARES: Digital Policy, Infrastructure, Procedures
and Practices of Select Rural and Northern Manitoba School Divisions:

• in regard to remote learning options for families, “it’s easier to provide a more consistent access to education.” (p 33).

The 2021 report from BU CARES: Westman Consortia Rural & Remote Learning:

• in regard to remote learning options for families, “an essential service that had filled the need for an educational option for students unable to attend school.” (p 8).