BACKGROUNDER
Teacher Allocations 2002-2003

• The report of the Ministerial Panel on Educational Delivery in the Classroom (2000) recommended a new formula for determining the appropriate number of teacher positions for our education system. This formula was developed following extensive consultation with all education stakeholders.
  
• Student enrolment continues to decline at 3.5 per cent annually.
  
• In keeping with the report, the formula would have removed 426 teaching positions over the past two years. However, despite a decline in enrolment of about 7,000 students in the last two years, more than one half of the teacher positions (218) scheduled for reduction will stay in the system for the benefit of our students. This is an investment of $11 million.
  
• Given that there will be more retirements than position reductions, school boards will have to hire new teachers to replace many of the retirees.
  
• Newfoundland and Labrador�s 2001-2002 pupil-teacher ratio of one teacher to every 13.4 students still stands as the best in the country.
  
• The Canadian average ratio based on 1999-2000 data was one teacher to every 16 students.
  
• The Atlantic provinces pupil-teacher ratio based on 2000-2001 data is one teacher to every 16.5 students.
  
• The total investment in teaching services for 2002-2003 will be $347.1 million.
  
• Teachers� salaries account for two-thirds of the total education budget of $518.9 million.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-1906.

2002 03 21                                 3:00 p.m.