Parents began the 2006-07 school year not having to pay school fees and ended the year with a buyback program that was part of the Provincial Government�s $12.8 million plan to provide free high school textbooks. In between, students and teachers enjoyed new physical education equipment, safer school laboratories and improved skilled trades curriculum.

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said today the upcoming school year will see significant investments that build on these and other important initiatives.

"This past school year has been a great success and we will continue to make unprecedented investments in the next school year," said Minister Burke. "With Budget 2007, funding for education surpassed the $1 billion mark for the first time in the history of the province. This means improvements across the board for our education system. From safer schools to relevant and interesting learning opportunities, we are providing our young people every opportunity to succeed."

The minister provided a few examples of how this $1 billion is being spent. Building on the $2.4 million already committed for new physical education equipment for students in intermediate and high schools, $800,000 in 2007-08 will see the program expanded to Grades Kindergarten to six, ensuring every student in the province has access to fun, state-of-the-art equipment.

Laboratory safety issues will continue to be addressed in the upcoming year with an infusion of $1.65 million. This is in addition to the $2.2 million allocated this year. To quote one high school chemistry teacher, "For once I�m doing a lab at a real, practical level � not some idealized lab world."

Students will continue to be exposed to the best and brightest artists in the province in year three of the Cultural Connections strategy. This year, $2.8 million will continue to foster an awareness among youth of this province�s arts and music, and how each is intrinsically linked to the province�s heritage. In September, schools will enjoy the first performances sponsored through the School Touring Program which will bring professional performers into the classrooms.

"Perhaps the most important investment we�re making is in repairs and maintenance grants to school boards, which are increasing by 67 per cent. It is with these grants that schools are regularly maintained and cleaned. With this $4.2 million annually, students, parents and teachers should see safer, cleaner schools in the fall," said the minister.

Other investments in the K-12 system include:

"We are very proud of the improvements we�re seeing at all levels of the K-12 system. These investments mean students have a wide array of opportunities that will provide a solid foundation for future success," said Minister Burke. "It means schools and classrooms are safe learning environments. And it means Newfoundland and Labrador is producing young people who will be prepared to lead our province in the years to come. In the meantime, I wish all our students a safe and enjoyable summer and thank our teachers for another successful school year."

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Media contact:

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

2007 06 26                                                     9:15 a.m.