Regions Will Have Strong Educational Presence Under Provincial School Board: Minister

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, took the opportunity today to clarify information about the Provincial Government’s decision to establish one provincial school board to administer the province’s English-language school system.

“I cannot stress enough that educational programming services provided to students and their families, and to staff, will continue to be offered in regional areas, as they have been in the past,” said Minister Jackman. “It is the corporate administration, and the executive structures in place, which are being realigned to ensure the maximum funding available for education is put where it belongs – in our classrooms, and in our schools, for the benefit of students.”

Minister Jackman noted there will be one CEO ultimately responsible for all aspects of educational programming and operations, instead of four, as well as senior executive staff responsible for programs and corporate services (e.g., financial operations, facilities and human resources) located at a headquarters in St. John’s. It is important to note, however, that school board offices will remain open in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook and Gander. The difference is that they will be staffed with executive, management and staff who will be the day-to-day decision-makers on issues specifically related to educational programming and related services to students and teachers – not corporate services.

Since 2004, when school board administration was last consolidated, enrolment has declined by about 14,000 students – or 17 per cent. By way of comparison, Provincial Government investment in education has increased by 42 per cent, which represents increased investment in teaching services, educational programming, school infrastructure and more.

“We are proud to be making these investments for the future of our children, and our society,” said Minister Jackman. “But even if there had been no fiscal challenge this year, it would have been necessary to examine the school board administrative structures and supports we have in place to serve this reduced student population.”

Minister Jackman noted the Department of Education is in the process of establishing a transition committee, which will include current board representation from across the province, and advertising for a provincial board CEO. The role of the transition committee will be to work with the existing boards to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible so that the education of students throughout the province is not adversely affected.

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

2013 04 18                                        3:50 p.m.