Casino news from http://www.edmontonsun.com/
Edmonton's Catholic school parents aren't ready to fold on casino fundraisers just because the church frowns on gambling, says one Edmonton Catholic School Board trustee.
"The feedback I've received from parents ... is strongly against any motion that would restrict the flow of money generated by casinos," said Ward 2 trustee Janice Sarich.
Her board will meet this week to discuss the fallout of Calgary Bishop Fred Henry's threat of "blacklisting" Catholic schools that continue to raise funds through gambling.
Edmonton Archbishop Thomas Collins told the Sun earlier that using gambling to raise school funds is immoral, but he hasn't threatened schools with cessation of Catholic services.
Sarich represents parents with kids in Archbishop O'Leary and Bishop Savaryn, among other schools. She does not speak on behalf of the ECSB collective.
She says debate over schools using gambling revenues has been around since she was elected in 2001.
According to Edmonton Catholic board chairman Debbie Cavaliere, nearly all of the board's 84 schools host casino fundraisers about once every two years.
Each nets an average return of $85,000, which translates into a potential $3.57 million per year across the district.
In 2005 Sarich used her website to poll parents on whether schools should continue to receive gambling funds for things like school computers and library books.
"Since my first term parents have strongly signalled they do not wish for me to advance any message that they want (bingos and casino operations to cease)," Sarich said.
"Supporters of Catholic education understand we do not operate parochial schools. We don't receive funding from the Catholic church to influence programming and services ... we get that directly from Alberta Education."
Opposition leaders blame the Tories for any rift that develops between the Catholic church and Edmonton schools.
"I've had parents come to me in tears, torn between the pressure to raise money and the Catholic knowledge that gambling is morally wrong," said Liberal Leader Kevin Taft.
"This is the fault of a government that doesn't understand the value of education."
NDP Leader Brian Mason says it's unfortunate schools must rely on casino revenue.
"But I don't see school boards having much choice here. I put the blame squarely on the Conservatives' failure to set aside adequate resources for our schools."
Education Minister Gene Zwozdesky has called on church and school board officials to settle the dispute before it hurts students. He was unavailable for comment yesterday.
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