This release was issued under a previous government.

The Greater Southern Public Francophone Education Region and the Greater Southern Separate Catholic Francophone Education Region have amalgamated to become the Southern Francophone Education Region Number 4. The new school authority improves the delivery of services and eliminates duplication of resources.

“Our vision for education through Inspiring Education is all about putting students first and I am thrilled to support these school boards working together to do just that. I know that the new board will be more efficient, improve services and strengthen francophone communities in southern Alberta.”

- Jeff Johnson, Minister of Education

Southern Francophone Education Region No. 4 represents public and separate schools in the region and continues to serve students in Airdrie, Brooks, Calgary, Canmore, Cochrane, Lethbridge, Okotoks and Medicine Hat.

“We consulted our francophone community and from that input we put forward a proposal to the Minister for amalgamation. We’re very pleased that Minister Johnson is enabling our local decision. This will help us streamline processes to ensure we are providing the best possible education for our students.”

- Diane Boutin, Board Chair for the Southern Francophone Education Region

Until electors choose trustees in the October election, Minister Johnson has appointed three separate and three public trustees to act in the interim. The blended board will continue to have an equal number of separate and public trustees in the future.

The public and separate southern francophone boards have operated out of one central school board office since 2011.

Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Related Information

Francophone Amalgamation