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The following statement was issued today by Roger Grimes, Minister of Education. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

The controversy in recent days surrounding the school designation process in District #5, Central Newfoundland, is cause for concern and needs some clarification.

The reforms to the education system which we are now in the process of implementing are based on the recommendations of a Royal Commission which submitted its final report in March 1992. During its investigation into the delivery of educational services, the Royal Commission found that many people expressed a desire for greater control of education at the local level. Parents wanted a greater say in the education of their children and greater control over the organization and administration of schools. Repeated submissions to the Royal Commission recommended that local school boards be given more autonomy in the organization and administration of schools. The commission also recommended that parents be given a meaningful role in the operation of schools, and that school councils be established in all schools to provide an avenue for parental participation.

Government has listened - we have listened to the people who say decisions made at Confederation Building do not adequately reflect local needs. Government acted on these recommendations and gave local school boards jurisdiction over the way schools are organized within the district. This includes the right to decide on the number of schools it will operate, the location of these schools and the grade levels to be taught in each. The decisions with respect to the organization and designation of schools within the Grand Falls-Windsor area are therefore well within the jurisdiction of the school board for District #5.

It is not my intention to be critical of this board in District #5, or any other board. It is within their right to make the decisions that will accommodate the wishes of parents and that they can defend at the local level in each area.

The registration process was not a vote, it was an opportunity for parents to express their preference. The board should first determine the number of buildings needed to accommodate the student population. The education plan for the district should be done in a manner to maximize the educational opportunity for students. The board is then expected to, whenever possible, accommodate the preference of parents as expressed in the registration process.

Neither the Department of Education, nor myself as minister, intend to interfere with this process. We do, however, expect the boards to act in a fair and responsible fashion in making decisions that maximize the educational opportunities for the children they serve.

The Department of Education stands ready and willing to assist, but is firmly committed to the local decision making model.