January 22, 1996
(Education and Training)

Minister comments on draft school viability regulations

The Minister of Education and Training has expressed his concern over the fears being unduly created over the draft school viability regulations recently released by government as part of the education reform initiative.

Chris Decker said that the draft school viability regulations being proposed have been provided to the churches, school boards and various groups involved and interested in education, for their review. Their views have been requested and will be considered in due course said the minister.

Mr. Decker reiterated that government is seeking input as to the appropriateness of the criteria being proposed in determining the viability of schools in the province. There must be a rational approach taken in determining what our school system should look like at the end of the process, the minister said.

He reaffirmed that no decisions have been made on which schools should remain open and which schools should close or when this would happen. This will eventually be decided by school boards, on the basis of whatever final form the viability regulations may take. It is totally premature for anyone to suggest which schools will be affected. To do so would cause undue and unwarranted concerns.

The proposed draft school viability guidelines will in due course be formulated only after the proposed new Schools Act is tabled and subsequently passed by the legislature, and all constructive suggestions have received appropriate consideration.

Contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-0048.