Edmonton Schools Scrap Autism Centre Plan

0:00Edmonton Public Schools Trustees just voted to scrap plans for a $25 million school dedicated to students with autism. The Autism Center of Excellence was set to serve about 100 kids with higher support needs on a Northside site. This axe came down Tuesday during approval of the Division's three-year capital plan. Five trustees, including board chair Saadiq Sumar, back the cut after what he called careful debate. Three others voted against, while one was absent. Sumar stressed anyone could check the meeting recording to see it was thoughtful. Opponents argue the center would offer families real choice and boost teacher training for autistic students, much like the Division's School for the Deaf. They said it was optional and wouldn't touch existing programs. Critics on the other side pushed back hard on inclusion, saying kids should learn together, not apart. Planning wasn't even done yet, with more consultations and a feasibility study ahead that recommended a standalone building over upgrading an old one. The project had grabbed provincial planning funds back in December 2024,

1:05but needed fresh approval to move forward. Even with the capital plan change, Sumar says all options stay open for the center, keeping the door cracked for families hoping for specialized spots. Down the line. From your city, powered by AI, this is Calgary News Today.