1974:
Michael A. Strembitsky, Edmonton’s superintendent from 1972 to 1994, introduces an “open boundary” policy that lets families choose any school in the district, space permitting. He also begins to let schools create their own alternative educational programs.
1976:
School-based budgeting goes districtwide. In the process, Edmonton hones a method for distributing money based on the number and kinds of students at each school, often called “weighted student” funding.
1980:
Return to the main story,
School-based budgeting goes districtwide. In the process, Edmonton hones a method for distributing money based on the number and kinds of students at each school, often called “weighted student” funding.
1994:
Strembitsky’s successor, Emery Dosdall, begins redesigning the central office, which is called Central Services. Schools can buy assistance from the office or from outside vendors. The administrative structure is flattened so principals report directly to the superintendent.
2000:
Edmonton hires outside consultants to help plan for instructional improvement. The initiative, in which the district lays out the change process for schools to use, is piloted in 36 schools.
2002:
The improvement initiative goes districtwide under Superintendent Angus McBeath, who was promoted to the post in 2001. All schools choose an instructional focus based on an analysis of their performance. School leaders are required to attend training monthly.
