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Education
March 28, 2013

NDP Misinformation Campaign Irresponsible: Minister

Misinformation being circulated by the NDP Education Critic is reckless and irresponsible, and is creating unnecessary anxiety for hundreds of special education teachers, district-based student support services itinerants, and program specialists dedicated to supporting children and families with special needs, says the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education.

“I am frankly appalled that this member would use social media and a news release to spread absolutely inaccurate information about the nature of Budget 2013 provision for special education and children with special needs,” said Minister Jackman. “It is unconscionable to create such apprehension among school board staff – not to mention parents of children who rely on their services – for political gain. It is fear-mongering at its worst, and it is profoundly unfair to people who may already be under stress as they await details on changes in the education system from their supervisors and unions.”

Minister Jackman reiterated that there is no reduction to special education services, and no reduction in the allocation of special education teachers, as a result of Budget 2013. There will be no student support services program itinerants who will receive layoff notices. Meanwhile, program specialists at the school district level, as occurred with the previous board reorganization, will be issued redundancy notices and be considered for employment under the new provincial board structure, as per the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association collective agreement.

“I have offered to make Department of Education officials available to the NDP Education Critic in an attempt to clarify his inaccurate interpretation of the educational components of Budget 2013,” said Minister Jackman. “He has to get his facts straight, so that he is not misleading educators, families and the public about supports provided to any particular aspect of education.”

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2013 03 28             5:00 p.m.

 
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