WCPS secures funding for classroom complexity teams

PONOKA -- New classroom complexity teams will be joining Wolf Creek Public Schools. 

These provincially-funded specialized support units were created with the goal of helping local teachers and students manage challenging learning environments. This includes providing hands-on assistance in dealing with rapid enrollment growth, behavioural challenges, and students with diverse learning needs. 

According to Wolf Creek Public Schools, the division was able to secure a total of $719,742 in provincial funding for the new classroom complexity teams. Each of these teams can consist of one teacher, one educational assistant, and up to two other specialized professionals. However, WCPS has proposed using the funding to create three teams, with one teacher and one educational assistant in each.

The teams would be based out of Ponoka Secondary Campus, Ecole Lacombe Junior High School, and Iron Ridge Secondary Campus," reads a report from Superintendent Tim De Ruyck. "The teams would serve not only these schools, but also schools throughout the division as needed."

De Ruyck says that by utilizing the provincial funding in this manner, they would be able to leave some funding available for additional support, such as a behavioural specialist or a contracted psychologist. He notes that they are now in the process of working with the applicable schools to recruit for the new positions.

Wolf Creek Public Schools has also confirmed that they've secured funding for their on-site psychologist at Ponoka Elementary for an additional three years.