Minister disappointed with board�s approach

Acting Minister of Education, Roger Grimes, has stated that government is extremely disappointed by the approach of the Avalon East School Board with respect to capital funding and the St. Thomas of Villanova project.

"The board is only interested in who is to blame rather than dealing with the issue in a forthright fashion," said the minister. "The facts show that the board did not address St. Thomas of Villanova as part of the $15 million it was allocated for capital priorities, even though the board was given full control and authority over where to spend the money."

Despite the fact that the board chose not to address St. Thomas of Villanova out of its $15 million allocation, the Department of Education has still provided the board with the flexibility to address this project by allowing the board to use savings from school closures and other projects totaling $7.5 million, if it is the board�s number one priority. "To say that the board has not been given enough funds to deal with St. Thomas of Villanova is not true," said Minister Grimes.

As well, to assist the board to address other priorities in the district, the department has provided an additional $2.5 million in funding items such as for roofs, windows.

"And as far as clarifying the role of boards versus that of the Department of Education, there has never been any confusion. Capital funds were never in the hands of the boards. Prior to education reform, capital funds were in the hands of denomination education councils and when denominational boards were abolished, the control for capital expenditures was placed with the Departments of Education and Works, Services and Transportation. Boards have responsibility for day-to-day maintenance and repairs. All boards are aware that they must identify priorities for capital projects and seek approval from the Department of Education. There is no confusion there," added the minister.

"This brings the total level of funding for capital projects in the Avalon East school district to $27.9 million," said Minister Grimes. "This represents a significant investment of taxpayers dollars."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-1377.

2000 08 25 2:05 p.m.