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October 29, 1999
(Education


Minister responds to decisions of Avalon East School Board

"The decision taken last evening by the Avalon East School Board to maintain a K-12 system in the west end of St. John's is cause for concern," said Education Minister Judy Foote, "especially in light of the impact on other schools in the Avalon East School Board, and in light of the fact that the board has known all along that there is no additional money."

"The fact of the matter is that a new school is not required in the west end of St. John's," said Minister Foote. "Given the declining student enrolment, and excess capacity that still exists (1,500 spaces), in the schools in St. John's, it would be irresponsible of government to direct millions of dollars to build yet another school. The board acknowledged through its earlier decision to close Beaconsfield High School that enrolment decline in St. John's is such that it no longer needs six high schools. I can only assume the decision to maintain Beaconsfield as a high school will result in the closure of one of Holy Heart, Booth, Bishop's, Prince of Wales Collegiate or Gonzaga by the end of June."

Government committed $20.5 million to assist the Avalon East School Board with its restructuring. The board planned to use this money for a number of projects including building an extension to Holy Trinty in Torbay; renovating Gould's Elementary and St. Kevin's; redeveloping St. Thomas of Villanova or constructing a new school in Conception Bay South; and constructing a new school in Pouch Cove/Flatrock. The board has not indicated to the Department of Education a change in these priorities.

"The Department of Education has a responsibility to spend taxpayers money where the greatest need exists," said Minister Foote. "With excess capacity in St. John's there will not be any additional funding for new schools in the city."

"If additional monies were available the priority would be to address the 344 applications totaling $45 million that have been submitted to the department for roof repairs, air quality improvements and other capital infrastructure for schools throughout the province. The Avalon East School Board is only one of 11 school boards in the province all of whom have informed the department of their priorities for capital works.

"Contrary to comments made by opposition members Shelia Osborne and Tom Osborne, government has reinvested all of the savings realized as a result of education reform, and more back into the education system. This includes $125 million for capital construction, (the largest investment of its kind since Confederation); allowing boards to retain savings from school closures; increasing the operating grants of all school boards; and an increase of 23 per cent in the student assistants budget, just to mention a few examples of where the money has been re-invested.

"The decision of the Avalon East Board from last evening raises more questions than provides answers," concluded Minister Foote.

Media contact: Nancy Healey (709) 729-0048.

1999 10 29                                     6:35 p.m.


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