As parents across Alberta struggle to work from home while trying to help their children with distance learning, the big question is: how long will it last? “I don’t have those answers,” said Trisha Estabrooks, chair of Edmonton Public Schools. “That really is the decision of the government of Alberta.” Estabrooks said weeks ago, prior to school closures, when administration and staff started putting a plan of action in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were directed by the province and Alberta’s chief medical officer of health to think long-term.
Estabrooks said the board was told there’s a good chance schools will be closed until the end of the year. “We take that advice seriously.” All schools were closed to students on March 16