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April 28, 2008 BJORNSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PLACE MORATORIUM ON SCHOOL CLOSURES– – –Public Schools to Continue to Play Vital Role in Communities: Minister Amendments that would place a moratorium on school closures were introduced in the legislature today by Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson, who said they would support families and communities in the face of demographic changes and declining enrolment.
“Having local public schools is vital to the quality of the total educational experience, especially for young children. Schools also play an important role in communities, especially in rural areas, as gathering places for social and cultural events, athletics, community meetings and adult education,” Bjornson said. “To determine the most effective ways to use these buildings to serve their communities on a long-term basis, we will consult with school divisions about the regulations.”
Under proposed amendments to the Public Schools Act, closures of schools would be allowed only in exceptional circumstances. To keep schools open, government would provide greater funding to assist school divisions and also review programming options.
School divisions would also be required to use best efforts to ensure pupils they transport do not travel more than 60 minutes to or from school.
“In anticipating ongoing enrolment challenges, we are moving now to protect the interests of students and parents and ensure communities benefit from sustainable infrastructure such as school buildings that are under-used,” said Bjornson. “Options we will examine include using portions of current buildings for child-care centres and other resources that benefit the community.”
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED |
