Moratorium on School Closures
Res #: 13-08A
Number: 13
Year: 2008
Midterm: No
Expired: Yes
Responses Received: No
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
Resolution No. 13 – 08A
Moratorium on School Closures
WHEREAS there has been a change in Provincial Government; and
WHEREAS there are still schools facing closure; and
WHEREAS the Premier has written to the Minister of Education requesting him torevise the Education Act to improve the consultation and assessment process before
significant changes are made to school facilities;
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to put a moratorium (retroactive to January 1, 2008) on school closures until the consultation and assessment processes are complete
Response from Honourable Ken Krawetz, Minister of Education
The government is committed to revise The Education Act, 1995 to improve the consultation and assessment process before significant changes are made to school facilities. Local autonomy is one of the significant strengths of our current system of governance at the school board and municipal level. Boards of education have jurisdiction over the operation of schools, including program and service consolidation, grade reduction and school closures, and final decisions in this regard rest with them. This is essential as these boards are democratically elected at the local level and make decisions on their analysis of the overall needs and circumstances of their particular school division. The new school closure process will continue to respect the autonomy of boards of education to govern and operate schools.
The government is also working with boards of education to determine the criteria for schools of opportunity. These criteria may include consideration for potential for future economic growth and the necessity of having schools within a reasonable distance of all students.
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