Cabinet approves Eastern School District decision on school closure

CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, June 2, 2009 — Premier Robert Ghiz advised today that  Cabinet has approved the school board’s decision to close eight schools at the end of this school year.
       “This was an extremely difficult process for everyone including students, parents, school staff and community members,” said Premier Ghiz.  “The last few months have been particularly challenging
for the Eastern School District trustees and they all deserve the thanks and support of Islanders for their outstanding efforts and the tremendous amount of public input that was gathered.”
       Premier Ghiz said that Cabinet wanted to make a decision as quickly as possible, given that the school year is nearing completion.
       “We are satisfied that the process followed by the board and the information they provided for our consideration and approval is in compliance with the School Act.  We are confident that the board’s
decision will result in greater access to programming by all students, a better balance in school populations, and a greater proportion of expenditures going to the program needs of students,” he said.
       According to the School Closure Regulations, the closures must take effect at the start of the school year immediately following the decision.
       Education and Early Childhood Development Minster Gerard Greenan advised that the school board has done some preliminary planning knowing that the closures were possible. “They will now turn their attention to more detailing planning in areas such as staffing, reorganization of bus routes, facility modifications and the sharing of information with staff, students and parents,” said the minister.
       There are now 43 schools and 13,000 students in the Eastern School District. A total of 421 students attend the eight schools scheduled for closure, which are: Tracadie Cross Consolidated, 74; Dundas Consolidated, 69; St Peter’s Consolidated, 59; Eastern Kings Consolidated, 55; Fortune Consolidated, 53; St Teresa’s Consolidated,47; Rollo Bay Consolidated, 34; Grand Tracadie Elementary, 30.

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For information contact:
Erin Mitchell
Office of the Premier
902 368 4400