April 15, 1999
(Education)

Minister reacts to Avalon East School Board's decisions

"As Minister of Education I support the direction the Avalon East School Board has taken to reconfigure the education system in the district," said Judy Foote. "The Avalon East School Board through the decisions taken last night has taken a reasonable, practical approach to school reform that will ensure a better use of resources and an improved education system."

"Government recognizes that this has been a very difficult and time consuming process for the board, all of whom are volunteers, as well as parents, administrators, teachers and school councils," said Minister Foote. "I commend these stakeholders for their commitment to enhancing the school system for all students in Avalon East."

The board has conducted an exhaustive consultation process which included nine public information sessions, seven town hall meetings, as well as the establishment of an information office and a web site. In addition, the board held numerous meetings with school councils and parent groups. "Given such a thorough process, and the significant changes that have been made to the original proposal, I am satisfied that legitimate concerns have been addressed," said Minister Foote.

"The board has listened. Changes to the original plan include: keeping Virginia Park School open; adjusting attendance zones to accommodate parent concerns throughout the district; and, O'Donel High School in Mount Pearl will remain housed in its present building and changes will be made to Mount Pearl Junior High to accommodate a 4-9 configuration. In addition, modifications were made to the original proposal for the school system in Conception Bay South, and new extensions were approved for Holy Trinity High serving the Torbay area and Beachy Cove Elementary to serve the Portugal Cove/St. Phillips area," said Minister Foote.

"While the motion adopted by the board calls for a K-9 system in the west end of St. John's, I understand that the debate focussed on the preference for a K-12 system," said Minister Foote. "I have no difficulty supporting a K-12 system, however, I encourage the board trustees and parents to try to accomplish this by utilizing existing infrastructure and financing. The department will meet with the board to try to find a workable solution for the west end, recognizing that excess capacity still exists in the system and will continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, reconfiguration in the west end may result in the closure of schools in other parts of the city."

"Government is committed to school reform and has provided the Avalon East School Board with $15 million for renovations and additional monies for new school construction," said the minister. "We will work co-operatively with the board to ensure that the necessary renovations and extensions required for the coming school year are completed on time."

Media contact: Nancy Healey, (709) 729-0048

1999 04 15                                     11:35 a.m.