The education budget for K-12 has increased by 14.4 per cent overall and 29.6 per cent per student, despite a decline in K-12 enrolment of 11.7 per cent since 2003. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said that despite Opposition claims of political game-playing, this is a clear indication of the importance the Williams Government places on education and student success.

"For the first time in the history of this province, the education budget has surpassed $1 billion. This is despite a significant decrease in our student population in the K-12 system. From 2005 to 2006, we saw a loss of nearly 2,500 students and projections indicate another 2,400 fewer students by fall 2007," said Minister Burke. "In the past two years alone, the province has invested an additional $80 million in the K-12 education system. These are not maneuvers in some political game, but represent real investments in all aspects of the education system."

Minister Burke said the Provincial Government�s plans for education are based on an equitable system that prepares every student for success. "We believe there are many facets to a well-rounded education that contribute to student success. To that end, we have eliminated schools fees and will now provide free textbooks to high school students at a combined cost of almost $20 million," said the minister. "We are improving safety in our laboratories. We are introducing skilled trades to form a foundation for post-secondary training and we are investing heavily in school infrastructure. Budget 2007 will see over $49 million for repairs, maintenance and new school construction. This includes a 67 per cent increase to school district operating grants, from 55 cents to 92 cents per square foot."

The minister also noted that the province�s education strategy is based on multi-year plans, and recent announcements build on initiatives already in place. The minister used as an example investments in healthy living initiatives. In the past two years, the Provincial Government has purchased $2.4 million for new physical education equipment for students in Grades 7 to Level III. Next year, this program will expand to grades K-6. New school food guidelines were introduced last year, and are being supported this year with $800,000 for school cafeteria equipment.

"We are building on our success. And each year, we are witnessing dramatic increases in the education budget. This should not be discounted or glossed-over in order to score political points. The success of our students, and ultimately our province, is not a game. The Provincial Government has recognized that education is fundamental to our growth and prosperity. It is a key element in our efforts to position our province and our people to take full advantage of emerging opportunities and to move forward," said Minister Burke.

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 05 16                                                    10:30 a.m.